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1971
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Adult Division, No. 304, Second Quarter, 1971
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Challenging Truths for All Times
2.
Toward the Fullness of Christ
3.
From Sinners to Saints
4.
From Chaos to Community
5.
Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown
6.
God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled
7.
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
8.
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
9.
Walk in the Light
10.
Spiritual Renewal Through Christ
11.
To the Pillars of the Christian Home
12.
Excellence in Endeavor Through Christian Principles
13.
Be Strong in the Lord
The regular Sabbath School senior division lessons and reg-
ular Sabbath School World Mission Report are available free
each month in Braille and magnetic tapes to blind and phys-
ically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint.
This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple
sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold
or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian
Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 304, April-June, 1971. 30 cents a single
copy, $1.20 a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published
in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street,
Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, Cali-
fornia. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old
and new addresses.
Copyright, 1971, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover painting by John Steel, artist; © PPPA
Drawings by James Converse
The Blessing of Daily Study
"Every day some portion of time should be appropri-
ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to
mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not
comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-
tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the
lesson."—Counsels on Sabbath School
Work, page 53.
My Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge
of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and
prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
(signed)
3
Studies in the EpisitIle
t® the Ephesians
SECOND QUARTER, 1971
Place of writing and date: "Having exercised his rights as a Roman citizen
and appealed to Caesar, Paul was sent to Rome, where he probably arrived
in the spring of A.D. 61. Here he was a prisoner for two years. Thus it is likely
that this epistle was written about A.D. 62."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6,
p. 994.
Historical background: "Paul wrote this epistle in times and surroundings
that well form a background to his message. The bloody Nero was emperor;
licentiousness, luxury, and murder were rampant. It is recorded, for example,
that when L. Pedanius Secundus, a senator of Rome, had been murdered by
a slave, in accordance with legal rights some 400 slaves of his household were
condemned to death in retribution."—Ibid.
Theme: "This book of the New Testament . . . may be described as a
solemn contemplation of the lofty privilege into which God's eternal purpose
has brought believers in Christ, followed by an exhortation to conduct worthy
of this high calling. Beneath this simple structure of the epistle and pervading
the whole is the fully developed conception of Christ as central in the universe
and in
history."—Encyclopaedia Britannica,
1946 ed., article, "Epistle to the
Ephesians."
Relevance: This letter was written during the closing days of Paul's min-
istry, while he was a prisoner in Rome. See
The Acts of the Apostles,
page
176;
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 730. His great burden was that the believers
should stand firm and that they should all come into "the unity of the faith,
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the mea-
sure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13.
"These messages, written with a power not of man but of God, contain
lessons which should be studied by all and which may with profit be often
repeated. In them practical godliness is outlined, principles are laid down
that should be followed in every church, and the way that leads to life eternal
is made plain."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 470, 471.
4
CHALLENGING TRUTHS FOR ALL TIMES
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, ac-
cording to the riches of His grace." Eph. 1:7.
Study Helps:
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 63-67;
Prophets and Kings,
pages
681-702;
SDA Bible Commentary.
"This letter, containing the deepest
church truth, is a treasure-house of rich
spiritual food, highly doctrinal in charac-
ter. It contains the longest sentence in print,
commencing at chapter 1, verse 3, and ex-
tending through verse 14."—Kenneth
Wuest,
Acts Through Ephesians,
page 213.
"The Epistle to the Ephesians occupies
a place of supreme importance in the his-
tory of Christian theology. It could almost
be said that through the centuries the in-
fluence of Paul has been felt primarily
through this epistle."—The
Interpreter's
Bible,
Vol. 10, p. 605.
Think on the Writer:
Paul was "an
apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God."
"As a theologian he ranks as perhaps the
greatest of all time, having laid much of
the foundation upon which Christian dog-
matics is built. His elevated concept of
Christ has dominated Christianity. He was
an able orator (Acts 17:22-31). . . . He
was also a great evangelist. . . . Yet in spite
of his many gifts and his high calling, he
was a man of great humility (1 Cor 15:9;
Eph 3:8). . . . He possessed singleness of
purpose (1 Cor 2:2; Php 3:13), composure
of mind (Php 4:11, 12 ; 1 Ti 6:6-8), ... and
unfailing faith (Rom 2:28, 38, 39; Gal
2:20; 2 Ti
1:12)."—SDA Bible Dictionary,
"Paul," page 832.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Salutation of the Apostle Paul
Eph. 1:1-3
2.
Chosen for Salvation by God
Eph. 1:4-6
3.
Redemption Through Christ's
Blood
Eph. 1:7, 8
4.
Amazing Plan Made Known
Eph. 1:9, 10
5.
Believer's Inheritance Secure
Eph. 1:11, 12
6.
Sealed With the Spirit of
Promise
Eph. 1:13, 14
5
Challenging Truths
for All Times
LESSON 1
Sunday
March 28
Part 1
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
SALUTATION OF
to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in
THE APOSTLE PAUL Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our
Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
Eph. 1:1-3
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."
"The will of God." This gave Paul a strong conviction of
divine calling. He uses the expression at least six times to the
churches. (1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Eph. 1:1;
Col. 1:1.)
By direct mandate of Christ he had been chosen (Acts
9:5-15), and by diligence and the grace of God he continued
his witness till his death (2 Tim. 4:7). He undoubtedly was,
after Christ, the gospel's greatest exponent and model church
leader.
"Saints." This is an early use of this word in the sense of
"Christians" (Acts 9:13), and occurs in all his epistles except
Thessalonians and Galatians and those written to individuals.
"Blessed." He blesses God, who has blessed the saints "with
all spiritual blessings." This comprehensive statement would
doubtless include the doctrinal revelations such as adoption,
resurrection, and immortality, as brought to light in the gospel.
"Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. All who
associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ.
The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed,
gave convincing power to his preaching."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 510, 511.
What is the meaning of "an apostle of Jesus Christ"?
Can each believer live every day "by the will of God"?
What were the characteristics of a "saint" of Paul's
day? From what kind of world had the "faithful" come?
Eph. 1:1.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are "all spiritual blessings" available to us today?
If we availed ourselves of them, would our homes and
churches undergo some change? Have you found by ex-
perience that "rejoicing in the Lord" is a helpful attitude
in one's life?
"No tongue can express, no finite
mind can conceive, the blessing that
results from appreciating the goodness
and love of God. Even on earth we may
have joy as a wellspring, never failing,
because fed by the streams that flow
6
from the throne of God. Then let us
educate our hearts and lips to speak
the praise of God for His matchless
love."—"The Ministry of Healing," page
253.
Monday
March
29
Part 2
"According as He hath chosen us in Him before the
CHOSEN FOR foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
SALVATION without blame before Him in love: having predestinated
BY GOD us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Him-
self, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the
praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made
Eph. 1:4-6 us accepted in the Beloved."
"Through Him He picked us out before the creation of the
world, to be consecrated and above reproach in His sight in
love. He foreordained us to become His sons by adoption
through Christ Jesus, to carry out the happy choice of His
will, so that we might praise the splendid favor which He has
shown us in His beloved Son."—Charles B. Williams.
The Greek verb from which we get the meaning "to deter-
mine beforehand" occurs in Rom. 8:29, 30 and Eph. 1:5, 11.
God foresaw those who would accept the conditions of salva-
tion. These He calls, justifies, glorifies. See Rom. 8:30.
"By Jesus Christ." All that God does for us is through Jesus
Christ. Paul labored to "present every man perfect in Christ
Jesus." Col. 1:28. It is God's will that all should be adopted
into the Christian family.
"We ourselves owe everything to God's free grace. Grace in
the covenant ordained our adoption. Grace in the Saviour ef-
fected our redemption, our regeneration, and our exaltation to
heirship with Christ. Let this grace be revealed to others.
"Give the erring one no occasion for discouragement. .
Let no tinge of scorn be manifest in the voice. . . . If you take
an attitude of indifference, or show suspicion or distrust, it
may prove the ruin of a soul. . . . Let him feel the strong clasp
of a sympathizing hand, and hear the whisper, Let us pray.
. . Nothing can justify an unforgiving
spirit."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
pages 250, 251.
What is God's goal for the chosen ones? Having been
chosen, what status were they to have in the family of
God?
THINK IT THROUGH
Are there dangers in thinking that we are God's chosen
persons? What is the antidote to this type of thinking?
Challenging Truths for All Times
LESSON 1
"All who will may see the mystery
of godliness. But it is only through a
correct understanding of Christ's mis-
sion and work that the possibility of
being complete in Him, accepted in the
Beloved, is brought within our reach.
... And to as many as receive Him, He
gives the power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on His
name."—Ellen G. White Comments,
"SDA Bible Commentary," Vol. 6, p.
1 1 13.
7
Challenging Truths for All Times
LESSON 1
Part 3
REDEMPTION
THROUGH
CHRIST'S BLOOD
Eph. 1:7, 8
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
March 30
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;
wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and
prudence."
Redemption comes by the voluntary sacrifice of Christ and
by the voluntary faith of man in that sacrifice. Christ's death
was unique. The life sacrificed for humanity was without sin
(1 Peter 1:19), and it provided a "ransom for all." Not even
one is excluded. 1 Tim. 2:6.
Faith in the blood of Christ produces peace (Col. 1:20) and
cleanses from sin. 1 John 1:7. We overcome by its power. Rev.
12:11.
"Dear brother, dear sister, when Satan would fill your mind
with despondency, gloom, and doubt, resist his suggestions. Tell
him of the blood of Jesus, that cleanses from all sin. You
cannot save yourself from the tempter's power, but he trem-
bles and flees when the merits of that precious blood are urged."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 317.
There is no magic in the shed blood. There is a twofold
miracle involved in the process of salvation. First, that divine
love provided the incarnation and shedding of Christ's blood
for all men. Second, that through faith in the death on Calvary's
cross, man could repent, confess, find conversion, and thus pass
from sinner to saint. From this miracle he finds divine grace
to abound "in all wisdom and prudence."
. "He wants to restore His moral image in man. As you draw
near to Him with
confession
and
repentance,
He will draw
near to you with mercy and forgiveness."—Steps
to Christ,
page 55.
What changes come to the man who accepts the sacri-
fice of Christ? How rich and complete is the bestowal of
grace? How many have been excluded from the gospel
plan? Eph. 1:7; Acts 17:30.
As we contemplate the grandeur of the plan of re-
demption, what can we say about its relation to the
believers in the church? Should they be courageous, or
fearful?
"But the atonement for a lost world
was to be full, abundant, and com-
plete. Christ's offering was exceedingly
abundant to reach every soul that God
had created. It could not be restricted
so as not to exceed the number who
would accept the great Gift. All men
8
are not saved
;
yet the plan of redemp-
tion is not a waste because it does not
accomplish all that its liberality has
provided for. There must be enough and
to spare."—"The Desire of Ages," pages
565, 566.
Wednesday
March 31
Part 4
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will,
AMAZING PLAN according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed
MADE KNOWN in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of
times He might gather together in one all things in
Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on
Eph. 1:9, 10 earth; even in Him."
Sin caused disunion. God's plan was to restore unity be-
tween heaven and earth. Sin was the cosmic tragedy, and
today it is the Number One problem in the world. But God
has purposed that in time unity will be restored between
heaven and earth.
"The mystery of His will" is made known to man in its
broad essentials without explicit mention of all the means used,
which means man could not in his finite state understand. Paul
speaks of "my knowledge in the mystery of Christ." Eph. 3:4.
He received by revelation sufficient for the edification of the
saints (Gal. 1:12; Col. 1:25), but elsewhere he acknowledges
human limits to comprehension of infinite things. 1 Cor. 13:9-12.
"Fullness of times. . . .
The entire gospel age seems to be
comprehended. As there are appropriate times for the sowing
of the seed and the gathering of the harvest, there are also
suitable seasons for God's activities in connection with the
redemption of men. There are some things that could be ac-
complished at one time and not at another, because He is deal-
ing with beings who are free moral agents whom He will not
even attempt to force into compliance with His purposes.
Through the ages there have been successive unfoldings of the
plans of God, stages of development leading up to the final
consummation when there will be a universal unity."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 1:10.
Who only was the author of the plan to bring unity
into the universe? When was this plan to be made opera-
tive? Who was its center? When will it be completely
fulfilled? Eph. 1:10.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does my daily Christian life show that I am giving my
full cooperation for my own benefit and that of others?
Challenging Truths for All Times
LESSON 1
"It was God's gracious purpose to
make this revelation. He was not in the
position of finding Himself in a di-
lemma when faced with the outbreak
of sin, nor did He grudgingly set about
the glorious, but agonizing, work of
redemption. . . . It is not an adequate
2—A2Qt71
or a reverent picture of the character
of God to present Him as reluctantly
yielding to the persuasions of man or
of Christ before He is willing to forgive
sin or
to come to the aid of His stricken
creatures."—"SDA Bible Commentary,"
on Eph. 1:9.
9
Challenging Truths
for All Times
LESSON 1
Thursday
April 1
Part 5
"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, be-
BELIEVER'S ing predestinated according to the purpose of Him who
INHERITANCE worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: that
SECURE we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted
Eph. 1:11, 12
in Christ."
Here Paul pursues the great theme of the divine purpose,
the sovereign will of God in working out the ultimate triumph
of righteousness over evil. We have a present inheritance, how-
ever, and we are to give thanks for it. Col. 1:12.
In some cases this inheritance is both here and in the here-
after. Mark 10:30. Study the use of the word "inheritance" as
it applies to our inheritance among the saints (Acts 20:32 ;
26:18), the present token (earnest) of more to come (Eph,
1:14).
Mention some qualities of the inheritance of the saints
through Christ's resurrection. 1 Peter 1:3, 4. For more
on rewards and inheritance see Mark 10:29, 30.
"To the praise of His glory" or its equivalent is used three
times. Eph. 1:6, 12, 14. Is this praise just word of mouth, or
what more is involved in the phrase "that we should be to the
praise of His glory"?
"An immense sacrifice was made on the part of God's dear
Son, that He might have power to rescue fallen man and exalt
him to His own right hand, make him an heir of the world and
a possessor of the eternal weight of glory. Language fails to
express the value of the immortal inheritance. The glory, riches,
and honor offered by the Son of God are of such infinite value
that it is beyond the power of men or even angels to give any
just idea of their worth, their excellence, their magnificence."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 40.
How is the believer's inheritance made secure? Who
has decided that the believer is to have an inheritance?
Does the will of God have something to do with the
bestowal of the inheritance? Eph. 1:11.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do you think we value our Christian inheritance as
intensely as did these first believers? By what means can
we obtain this vivid sense of inheritance?
"Christ is coming
with power and
great glory. He is coming with His own
glory and with the glory of the Father.
. . . While all the world is plunged in
darkness, there will be light in every
dwelling of the saints. They will catch
the first light of His second appearing.
The unsullied light will shine from His
10
splendor, and Christ the Redeemer will
be
admired by all who have served
Him. While the wicked flee, Christ's fol-
lowers will rejoice in His presence. Then
it is that the redeemed from among
men will receive their promised inheri-
tance."—"Prophets and Kings," page
720.
Part 6
SEALED WITH
THE SPIRIT
OF PROMISE
Eph. 1:13, 14
Friday
April
2
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also
after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy
Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto
the praise of His glory."
"The word of truth" must here include all that Paul means
in Romans 1:16—the whole gospel, of which he was unashamed.
How did they hear this word? It was the apostles' exposition
of the Christian gospel based on the Scriptures of their fathers.
This was Christ's own method of preaching the word of truth.
See Luke 24:27. Today men are seeking for truth from many
sources other than the Inspired Word.
"The truth is more than a collection of statements of fact,
which would hay.e no salvation in them as such; the truth
must finally bring us to Him who is 'the way, the truth, and
the life' (John 14:6). Every noble impulse that arises in any
man's soul, Christian or heathen, springs from that one Source.
Indeed, the influence of the Holy Spirit is necessary to the
effective reception of the truth (1 Cor. 2:12-15). . . .
"There is an orderly change in the believer's life: first there
is the hearing, then the believing, and then the sealing that puts
upon him, as it were, an impression or stamp."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Eph. 1:13.
"The heart must be emptied of every defilement and
cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the con-
fession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecra-
tion of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The
same work, only in greater degree, must be done
now."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 507.
What heavenly ministry had come to seal the Ephe-
sians as God's own people? Of what significance was
this work? How does the ministry of the Holy Spirit relate
to the inheritance? Eph. 1:13.
Challenging Truths for All Times
LESSON 1
THINK IT THROUGH
On the basis of my spiritual growth in the last five
years, when will the Holy Spirit be the fully controlling
and energizing element of my life?
"Only those who are living up to the
light they have will receive greater
light. Unless we are daily advancing in
the exemplification of the active Chris-
tian virtues, we shall not recognize the
manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the
latter rain. It may be falling on hearts
all around us, but we shall not discern
or receive it."—"Testimonies to Minis-
ters," page 507.
11
Challenging Truths for All Time
LESSON 1
April 3
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
The believer is blessed with (A) The blessings he needs; (B) All spiritual
blessings; (C) Blessings for which he asks.
2.
Complete : "In whom we have redemption through His
, the
forgiveness of
, according to the riches of His
3.
When were the believers chosen? (A) After sin entered
-
this world; (B)
When converted; (C) Before the foundation of the world
4.
True or False: God's plan included gathering together all things in Christ.
5.
By accepting Christ what bestowal does the believer receive
6.
True or False: The believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
*only (g) :ea/le/pa/4u/ ue (g) :emu
!3 (c) :a3e32 'sup 'poem (z)
(/) :saarneud
12
TOWARD THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST
2
"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all
things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."
Eph. 1:22, 23.
Study Helps:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 469-484;
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, pp. 312-
335 ;
SDA Bible Commentary.
There are some who insist that the Chris-
tian church has lost its influence. Some as-
sert the church has failed in all its goals
and therefore is no longer relevant to the
life of the world and its needs.
Paul sets out to show the grand potential
of the church. The storehouse of God is
replete with endless treasure available to
the humblest believer. Paul declares that
there is a mighty power in reserve for the
church and the individual believer.
Think on the Writer:
"No man ever
lived who was a more earnest, energetic, and
self-sacrificing disciple of Christ than was
Paul. He was one of the world's greatest
teachers. He crossed the seas and traveled
far and near, until a large portion of the
world had learned from his lips the story
of the cross of
Christ."—Testimonies,
Vol.
4, p. 409.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Faith, Love, and Prayer
Eph. 1:15, 16
2.
Pray for Wisdom and Knowledge
Eph. 1:17
3.
Hope of the Calling—Riches of
Glory
Eph. 1:18
4.
Power to Believers
Eph. 1:19, 20
5.
Grandeur and Majesty of His
Exaltation
Eph. 1:21
6.
Eminence of Jesus in the Church
Eph. 1:22, 23
13
Part 1
FAITH, LOVE,
AND PRAYER
Eph. 1:15, 16
Sunday
April 4
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the
Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give
thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."
Paul was quick to notice spiritual growth on the part of the
believers (1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Thess.
-
1:3, 4), and to express his
appreciation, as shown in the text before us. Believers respond
positively to words of appreciation. Appreciation finds entrance
to the heart. Understanding is of great value in stimulating
spiritual growth. "Wherefore" or "for this cause" refers to
previous comments, such as verse 8, where the wisdom and
prudence of the Ephesian Christians are mentioned.
How could the faith of the Ephesians have been re-
ported for Paul and others to hear about it? Why should
Paul be concerned about the welfare of these churches?
This letter was written from a Roman prison, and Paul had
reason to wonder about a church "consisting of Jews and
Gentiles, Asiatics and Europeans, slaves and freemen—all sym-
bols of a disrupted world that was to be restored to unity in
Christ."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 995.
As Paul heard of the Christian growth of the believers,
what was he led to do? Eph. 1:16.
Toward the Fullness of Christ
LESSON 2
THINK IT THROUGH
"Paul carried with him the atmosphere of heaven. . . . The
fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave
convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of truth.
The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most
convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.
Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposi-
tion; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible
wholly to resist."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 510, 511.
Is the disunity of the world reflected in our individ-
ual lives? Could Jesus be the instrument of God's recon-
ciliation among individuals without affecting the disunity
among various groups in society and among nations?
"When we permit our communion
with God to be broken, our defense is
departed from us. Not all your good
purposes and good intentions will en-
able you to withstand evil. You must be
men and women of
prayer.
Your peti-
tions must not be faint, occasional, and
14
fitful, but earnest, persevering, and
constant. . . . Let the heart be contin-
ually uplifted in silent petition for help,
for light, for strength, for knowledge.
Let every breath be a prayer."—"The
Ministry of Healing," pages 510, 511.
Part 2
PRAY FOR WISDOM
AND KNOWLEDGE
Eph. 1:17
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
April 5
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and reve-
lation in the knowledge of Him."
The incarnation is involved in the expression "the God of
our Lord Jesus Christ." As the God-man, Jesus often referred
to God as "Father" (John 17:1), "Our Father" (Luke 11:2),
"My heavenly Father" (Matt. 18:35). These many expressions
identify Jesus with humanity. Thus "the Father of glory" is
both "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ" and "My God, and
your God." John 20:17.
"The Father of glory" suggests Stephen's "the God of
glory." Acts 7:2. The glory is part of the inheritance of the
saints in Eph. 1:18. Does the church always present the picture
of a group of saints in whom some form of this glory is seen?
"Wisdom and revelation." Does it require wisdom to under-
stand the revelation of God? Does it require divine guidance
to comprehend the revealed Word? Is this a reason for constant
and regular study of the Word in which God's wise plan of
salvation is revealed?
"It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to
receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key
of knowledge, and everyone that loveth `knoweth God.' 1 John
4:7."—The Desire of Ages,
page 139.
Through prayer and study knowledge is gained, and in the
case of thee
-
ali6stle he is praying that others have knowledge.
What gifts does Paul pray for, for the Ephesians? By
praying to God for these gifts, what does he recognize?
"But there must be earnest study [of the Scriptures] and
close investigation. . . . And we cannot expect to gain spiritual
knowledge without earnest toil. Those who desire to find the
treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the
treasure hidden in the earth. . . . It is essential for old and
young, not only to read God's Word, but to study it with
wholehearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as
for hidden treasure. Those who do this will be rewarded, for
Christ will quicken the understanding."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
page 111.
As we study the Bible, what assistance has been sup-
plied to give us understanding? Eph. 1:17; John 16:13.
In the past have we taken advantage of this help?
Toward the Fullness of Christ
LESSON 2
"A true knowledge of the Bible can
be gained only through the aid of that
Spirit by whom the Word was given.
And in order to gain this knowledge we
must live by it. All that God's Word
commands, we are to obey. All that it
promises, we may claim. The life which
it enjoins is the life that, through its
power, we are to live. Only as the Bible
is thus held can it be studied effec-
tively."—"Education," page 189.
15
Toward the Fullness of Christ
LESSON 2
Tuesday
April 6
Part 3
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
HOPE OF THE that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and
CALLING—RICHES what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the
OF GLORY saints."
"I pray that your inward eyes may be illumined, so
that you may know what is the hope to which He calls
you, what the wealth and glory of the share He offers
Eph. 1:18 you among His people in their heritage." NEB.
The apostle prays that the believers may be ever mindful
of the significance of hope as a principle of life here and as a
reward and privilege in the hereafter. The Lord Jesus is our
hope. 1 Tim. 1:1. God is our guide and protector as we walk
through life. We follow the truth of God as our way of life.
Then at the end our hope for eternity will be fulfilled in the
second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
What is your understanding of the phrase: "Know
what is the hope of His calling"? Does the hope of your
calling inspire and encourage you?
Paul also prays that the believers remember the riches God
has for them. Humanity is attracted to riches, but it shuns
poverty. The lesson for us is to put our trust in God's riches
which are our inheritance. Qualitatively and quantitatively
God's riches amaze us as they are lavished on the believer by
an eternal and loving heavenly Father. Guidance into truth by
the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), redemption through the blood
of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18, 19), the mediatorial ministry of Christ
(1 Tim. 2:5), and everlasting life and happiness in the earth
made new are but a few of the riches which God has showered
on the believer.
THINK IT THROUGH
Name some riches of our God not mentioned in the
paragraph above.
In view of the times we live in, and in view of the
grace and love of God to the believer, what should be
the practical attitude of the church member to God's
riches and worldly riches? Eph. 1:18; Matt. 6:19-21.
"Having undertaken our redemption,
He will spare nothing, however dear,
which is necessary to the completion of
His work. No truth essential to our sal-
vation is withheld, no miracle of mercy
is neglected, no divine agency is left
unemployed. Favor is heaped upon fa-
vor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury
of heaven is open to those He seeks to
16
save. Having collected the riches of the
universe, and laid open the resources
of infinite power, He gives them all into
the hands of Christ, and says, All these
are for man. Use these gifts to con-
vince him that there is no love greater
than Mine in earth or heaven. His great-
est happiness will be found in loving
Me."—"The Desire of Ages," page 57.
Part 4
POWER TO
BELIEVERS
Eph. 1:19, 20
Wednesday
April 7
"And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to
usward who believe, according to the working of His
mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He
raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right
hand in the heavenly places."
What analogy do you see between the resurrection power
in the case of Jesus, and "the exceeding greatness of His power
to usward"? How would you contrast the power required to
overcome weakness and sin in the believer and that required
to raise Jesus from the dead? Does the conquest of sin figure
in both cases?
"This same resurrection power is that which gives life to
the soul 'dead in trespasses and sins.' Eph. 2:1. That spirit of
life in Christ Jesus, 'the power of His resurrection,' sets men
'free from the law of sin and death.' Phil. 3:10; Rom. 8:2. The
dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept
from sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ be-
comes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth
his body from the grave."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 209, 210.
"Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might
become one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that
we are to come forth from the grave,—not merely as a mani-
festation of the power of Christ, but because, through faith,
His life has become ours. Those who see Christ in His true
character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting
life. It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the
Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning
of the life eternal."—Ibid., p. 388.
What assurance is given to struggling believers in
these verses? What is the proof of God's mighty power
in our lives? Could it be the condition described in 1 Cor.
13:4?
Toward the Fullness of Christ
LESSON 2
THINK IT THROUGH
In what sense does resurrection have meaning in this
mortal life? Rom. 6:1-1 1.
"The resurrection of Jesus was a sam-
ple of the final resurrection of all who
sleep in Him. The risen body of the
Saviour, His deportment, the accents of
His speech, were all familiar to His fol-
lowers. In like manner will those who
sleep in Jesus rise again. We shall know
our friends even as the disciples knew
Jesus. Though they may have been de-
3—A2Qt71
formed, diseased, or disfigured in this
mortal life, yet in their resurrected and
glorified body their individual identity
will be perfectly preserved, and we
shall recognize, in the face radiant with
the light shining from the face of Jesus,
the lineaments of those we love."—E. G.
White Comments, "SDA Bible Commen-
tary," Vol. 6, p. 1092.
17
Toward the Fullness of Christ
LESSON 2
Thursday
April 8
Part 5
"Far above all principality, and power, and might,
GRANDEUR AND and dominion, and every name that is named, not only
MAJESTY OF in this world, but also in that which is to come."
HIS EXALTATION
Eph. 1:21
feared many "powers," good and evil. The stars represented
Every form of power is here intended. The ancient world
to them powers of all kinds. Angelic and demonic powers were
legion to them. For believers, the coming of Christ into the
world banished the fear of all evil powers, for Christ is Lord of
all. Compare Rom. 8:38, 39.
The heathen gods were graded, some greater or more evil
than others. Christ is "above all." Compare "angels, nor prin-
cipalities, nor powers" (Rom. 8:38), "angels and authorities
and powers" (1 Peter 3:22), et cetera.
The worship of angels appeared in some forms of later Ju-
daism, and the Christian leaders warned against this. (Col.
2:16-18. To them, Christ was the Supreme Person in the
universe, sitting at the right hand of God. Ps. 110:1. His name
is above every name and has an influence which cannot be
estimated for greatness. Revelation 5.
"His [Christ's] resurrection is a pledge of the resurrection of
the saints (Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:20-22), and His exaltation
a pledge of the final exaltation of the saints."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Eph. 1:20.
"The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise
His church, and glorify it with Him, above all principalities,
above all powers, above every name that is named, not only
in this world, but also in the world to
come."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 787.
How is the power of Christ compared to the other
powers in the universe? Compare Heb. 1:2, 3.
THINK IT THROUGH
The power of God is implied in the very name of
Jesus: Matt. 12:21; John 14:13; Phil. 2:9-11.
"The disciples were to carry their
work forward in Christ's name. Their
every word and act was to fasten at-
tention on His name, as possessing that
vital power by which sinners may be
saved. Their faith was to center in Him
who is the source of mercy and power.
In His name they were to present their
petitions to the Father, and they would
receive answer. They were to baptize
18
in the name of the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit. Christ's name was to
be their watchword, their badge of dis-
tinction, their bond of union, the au-
thority for their course of action, and
the source of their success. Nothing was
to be recognized in His kingdom that
did not bear His name and superscrip-
tion."—"The Acts of the Apostles," page
28.
Toward the Fullness of Christ
LESSON 2
Part 6
EMINENCE OF
JESUS IN
THE CHURCH
Eph. 1:22, 23
Friday
April
9
"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave
Him to be the head over all things to the church, which
is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."
"In this passage these words fill up the picture of our Lord's
transcendent dignity, by the declaration of the actual subjuga-
tion of all the powers of sin and death, rising up against Him,
in the spiritual war which is to go on till the appointed end."
—Ellicott's
Commentary,
on Eph. 1:22.
Should this give courage to Christ's church on earth
today? In what way is "the church, which is His body"
affected by your exemplification of the Lordship of Christ?
"He walks in the midst of His churches throughout the
length and breadth of the earth. He watches them with intense
interest to see whether they are in such a condition spiritually
that they can advance His kingdom. Christ is present in every
assembly of the church. He is acquainted with everyone con-
nected with His service. He knows those whose hearts He can
fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, pp. 418, 419.
In the plan of Heaven God-chosen men were to carry on
the work of the church under the direction of Deity. Jesus
chose twelve as those who should begin this ministry.
"These men He purposed to train and educate as the leaders
of His church. They in turn were to educate others and send
them out with the gospel message. That they might have suc-
cess in their work they were to be given the power of the Holy
Spirit. Not by human might or human wisdom was the gospel
to be proclaimed, but by the power of God."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 17.
THINK IT THROUGH
How should a reverent understanding of Christ's lead-
ership of the church affect our relationship to leaders and
members of that church today? Eph. 4:15, 16.
"Thus in His people He is glorified.
... The church, endowed with the righ-
teousness of Christ, is His depositary,
in which the riches of His mercy, His
grace, and His love, are to appear in
full and final display. Christ looks upon
His people in their purity and perfec-
tion, as the reward of His humiliation,
and the supplement of His glory,—
Christ, the great Center, from whom
radiates all glory."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 680.
19
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Answers: (1) C; (2) the spirit of wisdom; (3) The hope of His calling, and the riches of the glory
of His inheritance; (4) Power of the resurrection; (5)
B;
(6) The Head.
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LESSON 3
FROM SINNERS TO SAINTS
3
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10.
Study Helps:
The Desire of Ages,
pages
31-38, 342-349;
SDA Bible Commentary.
The apostle Paul places great emphasis
on the importance of individual Christian
experience. He thought of individuals as in-
tegral parts of the whole church. The church
rises to a higher degree of spirituality to the
extent that its individual members become
more like their Lord in character.
Paul lived in a world of idol worshipers
with erroneous ideas. The anger of the false
gods was believed to be placated by the
works of the worshiper. Paul was anxious
to show the ancient world that his God was
not an angry idol, but a merciful, loving,
powerful Deity. The practice of good works
was popular and supposed to be meritorious,
and the people understood religion that
way. Now the time had come for the world
to unlearn this error and to learn about
divine grace and mercy as the only basis of
salvation.
Think on the Writer:
"He had been
strictly conscientious in his opposition to
Christ and His followers, and when he was
arrested and convicted of his sin [on the
road to Damascus], he immediately forsook
his evil ways, and professed the faith of
Jesus."—Ellen G. White,
Sketches From the
Life of Paul,
page 35.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Dead in Sin Made Alive
Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:12, 13
2.
Worldlings Before; Believers Now
Eph. 2:2, 3
3.
God's Mercy to Sinners
Eph. 2:4-7
4.
Saved by Grace
Eph. 2:8, 9
5.
Good Works—God's Purpose
Eph. 2:10
6.
Profile of Symmetry
Col. 1:9-12
11
From Sinners to Saints
LESSON 3
Part 1
THE DEAD IN
SIN MADE ALIVE
Eph. 2:1;
Col. 2:12, 13
THINK IT THROUGH
Sunday
April 11
"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in tres-
passes and sins."
"Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are
risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God,
who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being
dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven
you all trespasses."
Whereas we were "dead in trespasses," we are now dead or
irresponsive to the promptings of sin. Does this mean that we
are no longer subject to temptation from hereditary human
nature? Or does it mean that we now have power to resist
temptation till the great day when "we shall all be changed"
from mortal to immortal?
"As God raised Christ from the dead, that He might bring
life and immortality to light through the gospel, and thus save
His people from their sins, so Christ has raised fallen human
beings from spiritual death, quickening them with His life,
filling their hearts with hope and joy."—E. G. White Com-
ments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1115.
What experience comes to the sinner after his sins
have been forgiven? Through whom and by what process
does forgiveness come?
Forgiveness is a great act of divine mercy. Christ has brought
us a wonderful blessing in forgiveness. He is the only one who
can give us forgiveness. Acts 5:31; 4:12; 1 John 1:7, 9. For-
giveness comes in response to repentance, the first step in turn-
ing to God. Acts 3:19. We receive forgiveness through the
blood of Jesus. Matt. 26:28.
The believer after receiving forgiveness has a duty to others.
"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
"Nothing can justify an unforgiving spirit. He who is un-
merciful toward others shows that he himself is not a par-
taker of God's pardoning
grace."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
251.
When others offend us, what should the attitude of the
believer be? How should we forgive a brother? Matt.
6:12; 18:35.
"The light shining from the cross re-
veals the love of God. His love is draw-
ing us to Himself. If we do not resist
this drawing, we shall be led to the
foot of the cross in repentance for the
sins that have crucified the Saviour.
Then the Spirit of God through faith
22
produces a
new
life in the soul. The
thoughts i
ld
deiires ar
e
brought into
obedience to the will of Christ. The
heart, the mind, are created anew in
the image of Him who works in us to
subdue all things to Himself."—"The De-
sire of Ages," page 176.
From Sinners to Saints
LESSON 3
Monday
April 12
Part 2
"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the
WORLDLINGS course of this world, according to the prince of the power
BEFORE; of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of
BELIEVERS NOW disobedience: among whom also we all had our conver-
sation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the
desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature
Eph. 2:2, 3 the children of wrath, even as others."
In verse 2 Satan is indicated as responsible for the evil course
of this world. He claimed power over the world. Luke 4:6. He
is the great adversary and tempter of man. 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thess.
3:5. He is the enemy. Matt. 13:39. He is the deceiver of the
whole world. Rev. 12:9. He is the father of lies. John 8:44.
In verse 3 the word "all" must include both Jews and
Gentiles. All are guilty before God. In the first chapter of
Romans there is an extensive exposition of the guilt of man
in the evil course of this world. "For the wrath of God is
revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous-
ness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." Rom. 1:18.
All through the exposition of evil in Romans 1:19-32 the per-
sonal pronoun is used to indicate the responsibility of men for
the evil in their lives.
Before becoming believers in the Lord, in what kind
of world had they walked? Explain the responsibility for
evil in the world.
THINK IT THROUGH
In
The Desire of Ages,
pages 36 and 37, there is an extensive
description of the world of the first century, from which a
few excerpts are taken:
"The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies
for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation."
"Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy
procession toward eternal ruin,—to death in which is no hope
of life, toward night to which comes no morning." "The senses,
the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by
supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust." "Sin
had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of
religion."
Meditate on the wonder of the plan of redemption
through Jesus Christ. Should we concentrate on what we
were in the past, or on what the present and future offer
us in Christ? Eph. 2:7.
"Satan's deceptive power was to be
broken. This could not be done by force.
. . . Only by love is love awakened.
To know God is to love Him; His charac-
ter must be manifested in contrast to
the character of Satan. This work only
one Being in all the universe could do.
Only He who knew the height and the
depth of the love of God could make
it known. Upon the world's dark night
the Sun of Righteousness must rise,
'with healing in His wings.' Mal. 4:2."
—"The Desire of Ages," page 22.
23
From Sinners to Saints
LESSON 3
Tuesday
April 13
Part 3
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love
GOD'S MERCY wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in
TO SINNERS sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace
ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made
us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in
the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of
Eph. 2:4-7 His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
Quickened. . . .
This word . . . and its simpler form . . .
refer to a change from death to life, a rebirth, a new life. As
Christ was quickened from the grave, so man is quickened
from spiritual death. It is God's purpose to bring man into a
new sphere, a new relationship in which he is governed by new
principles."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 2:5.
"Heavenly places." "If we are raised together with Christ,
and are 'in Christ Jesus,' and Christ is at the right hand of
God in heaven, then we, in that sense, are sitting with Him
in heaven."—/bid., on Eph. 1:3.
"God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than
in His mercy.. . . It had been Satan's purpose to divorce mercy
from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteous-
ness of God's law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that
in God's plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one
cannot exist without the other. . . .
"By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's jus-
tice did not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven,
and that the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed.
Satan's charges were refuted."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 762.
Are the riches of God's grace extended to man in the
ages to come? in this life? or in both? What difference
in manifestation can you suggest?
THINK IT THROUGH
What do you understand by the idiomatic expression
"to sit together in heavenly places with Christ"? See
CoI. 3:1,2.
"And the years of eternity, as they
roll, will bring richer and still more
glorious revelations of God and of
Christ. . . . As Jesus opens before them
the riches of redemption and the amaz-
ing achievements in the great contro-
versy with Satan, the hearts of the ran-
24
somed thrill with more fervent devo-
tion, and with more rapturous joy they
sweep the harps of gold; and ten thou-
sand times ten thousand and thousands
of thousands of voices unite to swell
the mighty chorus of praise."—"The
Great Controversy," page 678.
From Sinners to Saints
LESSON 3
0
Wednesday
April 14
Part 4
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
SAVED BY GRACE not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest
Eph. 2:8, 9 any man should boast."
"It is grace on God's part and faith on man's part. Faith
accepts the gift of God. It is through the act of entrusting our-
selves to Him that we are saved, not that faith is the means
of our salvation, but simply the channel."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Eph. 2:8.
How does the apostle describe salvation in Rom. 8:24,
25?
"Hope is an essential element of our salvation and must
never be omitted from our contemplation of what the Christian
life means. Faith accepts; but EirpreTpects. Faith is concerned
with Him who promises; but hope is occupied with the good
things promised. Faith appropriates; hope anticipates. It is in
the power of this hope which the New Testament calls `that
blessed hope' that we are to live and labor. Hope is always
centered on the coming of the Lord, and included in that, on
the resurrection from the dead with complete deliverance from
sin, likeness to Christ, and the full revelation of our sonship
to God in Him (1 Cor. 15:51-57 ; Phil. 3:20, 21; 1 Thess. 4:15-
17; 1 John 3:1, 2)."—W. H. Griffith Thomas,
St. Paul's Epistle
to the Romans,
page 222.
"He [Christ] saw that the weakness, the curse of the church,
would be a spirit of self-righteousness. Men would think they
could do something toward earning a place in the kingdom of
heaven. . . . Thus there would be an abundance of self and
little of Jesus. Many who had made a little advancement would
be puffed up and think themselves superior to others. They
would be eager for flattery, jealous if not thought most im-
portant. Against this danger Christ seeks to guard His disci-
ples."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 400, 401.
What three elements operate in our obtaining salva-
tion? Eph. 2:8. What is the initial and dominating factor
in our salvation? Eph. 2:4. How is boasting precluded?
Rom. 3:27.
THINK IT THROUGH
Name some reasons, besides the one below, why so
few accept this gracious gift.
"129pejitance is associated with faith,
and is urge in
in the gospel as essential
to salvation. Paul preached repentance.
. . . There is no salvation without re-
pentance. No impenitent sinner can
believe with his heart unto righteous-
4—A2Qt71
ness. . . . This repentance has in it
nothing of the nature of merit, but it
prepares the heart for the acceptance
of Christ as the only Saviour, the only
hope of the lost sinner."—"Selected Mes-
sages," Bk. 1, p. 365.
25
From Sinners to Saints
LESSON 3
111 Thursday
April 15
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained that
we should walk in them."
This verse shows clearly the reason why and where "good
works" figure in the Christian life. Christ initiates everything
by His grace, abolishing all enmity and uniting us, from what-
ever background, in one with Him. See verse 15.
What would men say to a new man created by Christ
if he did evil works? Do good works flow from man's will
to be good, or from inward Christian motives? Gal. 2:20.
"By their good works, Christ's followers are to bring glory,
not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power
they have wrought. It is through the Holy Spirit that every
good work is accomplished."—Thoughts
From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 80.
Is a man saved by his good deeds?
Where faith in the righteousness of Christ is the dominating
factor, then, good works always follow. Various aspects of good
works are seen in the following quotations:
"Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is
to work in cooperation with Christ for the salvation of souls.
Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly
mansions than is the special place designated on earth where
we are to work for
God."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 326,
327.
"The rich Christian has a special opportunity to serve his
fellowmen and to show to the world the results of gra
-
CC
-
When
non-Christians see the gracious unselfishness of rich Christians
they will naturally tend to have respect for the Christian way
of life, and may, indeed, turn to Christ. . . .
"The rich Christian is entrusted with a solemn responsibility.
The way he handles wealth will affect his spiritual cleyclopment
as well as the comfort of those less fortunate."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on 1 Tim. 6:18.
"God calls for those who will be workers together with
Him. . . Christ supplies the efficiency, and man becomes a
power for good. Truthfulness and integrity are attributes of
God, and he who possesses these attributes possesses a power
that is invincible."—Messages
to Young People,
page 35.
THINK IT THROUGH
At this late hour evil is rapidly approaching its climax.
Does this accentuate the necessity for, or the futility of,
good works? Heb. 10:24, 25.
Part 5
GOOD WORKS—
GOD'S PURPOSE
Eph. 2:10
"No one can give place in his own
heart and life for the stream of God's
blessing to flow to others, without re-
ceiving in himself a rich reward. The
hillsides and plains that furnish a chan-
nel for the mountain streams to reach
26
the sea suffer no loss thereby. That
which they give is repaid a hundred-
fold. For the stream that goes singing
on its way leaves behind its gift of
verdure and fruitfulness."—"Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing," page 81.
From Sinners to Saints
LESSON 3
Friday
April 16
Part 6
'"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do
PROFILE OF not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be
SYMMETRY filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of
the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good
work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strength-
ened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto
all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving
thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be
Col. 1:9-12
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."
How can man be "filled with the knowledge of His will in
all wisdom," et cetera?
"The 'knowledge' here spoken of is the 'full knowledge,' to
be attained in measure here, to be made perfect in heaven."—
Ellicott's
Commentary,
on Col. 1:9. This wisdom pertains to
the essentials of personal salvation.
Paul desired the Ephesian Christians to "come to under-
stand the height of the Christian's privilege. He opens before
them, in- the most comprehensive language, the marvelous
power and knowledge that they might possess as sons and
daughters of the Most High."—The
Great Controversy,
page
476.
"Some may say it
-
is exalting our own merits to expect favor
from God through our good works. True, we cannot buy one
victory with our good works; yet we cannot be victors without
them. The purchase which Christ recommends to us is only
complying with the conditions He has given us. True grace,
which is of inestimable value, and which will endure the test
of trial and adversity, is only obtained through faith and hum-
ble, prayerful
obedience."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 89.
How'many aspects of the Christian life are mentioned
in this text besides "every good work"? Name some good
deeds of others and the good effects of them.
THINK IT THROUGH
Think over your own Christian experience. Do you find
times when to do good deeds has cost you something?
Have you encouraged someone lately to continue to do
good deeds?
"Good works cost us a sacrifice, but
it is in this very sacrifice that they pro-
vide discipline. These obligations bring
us into conflict with natural feelings and
propensities, and in fulfilling them we
gain victory after victory over the ob-
jectionable traits of our characters. The
warfare goes on, and thus we grow in
grace. Thus we .
are prepared for
a
place among the blessed in the king-
dom of God."—"Testimonies/' Vol. 6,
pp. 262, 263.
27
8Z
Answers: (1) Quickened them; forgiven their trespasses; (2) Satan and sinners; (3) God called
after the sinner first; (4) A; (5) workmanship, good works, walk in them; (6) Power of God.
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LESSON 4
April 24
FROM CHAOS TO COMMUNITY
4
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the
blood of Christ." Eph. 2:13.
Study Helps:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 593-602;
The Desire of Ages,
pages
597-600;
The SDA Bible Commentary.
This lesson makes crystal clear that the
change from unbeliever to believer is a
reality. The contrast is sharp. The condition
before is ugly, hopeless, despairing, and
lost; that after is beautiful, hopeful, secure.
"Far off." That is in pagan or heathen
unbelief. Can a person be "respectable"
today and yet be "far off" from Christ?
Paul has other expressions indicating this
"far off" condition. For example: "aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel" (Eph.
2:12), "alienated and enemies" (Col. 1:21),
"alienated from the life of God" (Eph.
4:18). In what ways can you think of
alienated people today?
Think on the Writer:
"As Paul was
brought in direct contact with the idolatrous
inhabitants of Ephesus, the power of God
was strikingly displayed through him. . . .
"The manifestations of supernatural
power which accompanied the apostle's
work, were calculated to make a deep im-
pression upon a people given to sorcery.
. . . The miracles of Paul were far more
potent than had ever before been witnessed
in Ephesus, and were of such a character
that they could not be imitated. . . . Thus
the Lord exalted His servant, even in the
estimation of the idolaters themselves."—
Ellen G. White,
Sketches From the Life of
Paul,
pages 135, 136.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Spiritual Chaos
Eph. 2:11, 12
2.
Dawn of Community
Eph. 2:13-15
3.
Christ, the Reconciler
Eph. 2:16-18
4.
The High Privilege of Com-
munity
Eph. 2:19
5.
Community Foundation
Eph. 2:20, 21
6.
A Contributing Community
Eph. 2:22
29
From Chaos to Community
LESSON 4
Sunday
April 18
Part 1
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past
SPIRITUAL CHAOS Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by
that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made
by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being
aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers
from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and with-
Eph. 2:11, 12 out God in the world."
Does the victory of the gospel over these Gentiles have any
hopeful relevance to the conditions of the world today? Here
is a partial list of alienating influences we face in Christian
witness: heredity, poverty, ignorance, pride, love of money,
friendships. Can you add others?
"Without Christ. . . .
This is no condemnation of the Gen-
tiles, but simply an assertion of the fact that, being without
connection with the Messiah, they were without the source of
regenerative power....
"Strangers.
God made His covenants with Abraham and his
descendants (Gen. 12:3; 22:18). They were to make the cove-
nant privileges available to the Gentiles and to invite them to
participate in the worship of the true God. . . . They failed to
carry out God's plan, and the Gentiles remained 'aliens' and
`strangers.' Before Christ came, the knowledge of the 'cove-
nants of promise' was thus confined almost entirely to the
Jews.
"No hope.
The Gentiles had no hope in the Messiah, hence,
no hope for the blessings that would flow from Him. In the
catacombs of Rome the word `hope' is commonly found in
Christian inscriptions, but it is never found in the inscriptions
on heathen tombs.
"Without God. . . .
This is the ultimate in misery and loss.
The Gentiles were not atheistic in the sense of lacking gods, for
they had many gods. They were without the knowledge of the
true God, whose attributes are holiness, love, justice, and
mercy."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 2:12.
What were five conditions in the spiritual past of the
believers? Why did the apostle propose that they think
of their past?
THINK IT THROUGH
As you think of your past Christian experience, is it
helpful in the present and the future? If not, is there a
remedy?
"The uses of remembrance. . . .
I. It
tends to deepen the humility of saints
as well as to increase their godly sor-
row for sin. II. It tends to make us
grateful for our mercies and to make us
magnify the greatness and freeness of
divine love. . . . III. It tends to inspire
us with a stronger love for Christ. . . .
30
IV.
It tends to quicken us to greater zeal
and activity in the Lord's service. . . .
V.
It tends to make us more hopeful of
the conversion of others who are now
what we once were as sinners."—"Pul-
pit Commentary," on Eph. 2:11, pp. 77,
78.
Part 2
DAWN OF
COMMUNITY
Eph. 2:13-15
Monday
April
/9
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far
off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our
peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down
the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished
in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain
one new man, so making peace."
The blood of Christ is spoken of as bringing us near. Look
up the following texts for other blessings the blood of Christ
brings to the believer: Rom. 5:9; Col. 1:14, 20.
"He is our peace. . . .
Christ is not only the peacemaker;
He Himself is peace, the bond of union and of peace. In Him
all the divisions of mankind are to be abolished. . . . By being
their peace before God, Christ effected peace between Jew and
Gentile... .
"Middle wall of partition. . . .
The imagery may have been
derived from the barrier in the Temple separating the court of
the Gentiles from the court of the Jews. . . . [In 1871 the stone
with the warning inscription from Herod's Temple, which is
now in the museum at Istanbul, was found. The inscription in
Greek translated into English is: 'No stranger (non-Jew) is to
enter within the balustrade around the Temple and enclosure.
Whoever is caught will be responsible to himself for his death
which will ensue.']
"Law of commandments.
This is generally thought of as
referring to the ceremonial law. .. . It was the interpretation the
Jews placed upon it, the additions they made to it, and the
exclusive and hostile attitudes they adopted as a result, that
were the basis of the hostility."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Eph. 2:14, 15.
Name the blessings which now come to the believers
in their new condition "in Christ." Name some spiritual
benefits which are said to come to the believer "by the
blood of Christ."
From Chaos to Community
LESSON 4
THINK IT THROUGH
May we by our actions re-erect barriers that prevent
"access to God"? 1 Cor. 8:9, 11.
"All men are of one family by crea-
tion, and all are one through redemp-
tion. Christ came to demolish every wall
of partition, to throw open every com-
partment of the temple, that every soul
may have free access to God. His love
is- so broad, so deep, so full, that it
penetrates everywhere
.
. It lifts out of
Satan's circle the poor souls who have
been deluded by his deceptions. It
places them within reach of the throne
of God, the throne encircled by the
rainbow of promise."—"Christ's Object
Lessons," page 386.
See Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:13.
31
Tuesday
April 20
Part 3
"And that He might reconcile both unto God in one
CHRIST, THE body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and
RECONCILER came and preached peace to you which were afar off,
and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both
Eph. 2:16-18 have access by one Spirit unto the Father."
These verses complement the great passage on reconciliation
in 2 Cor. 5:18-21. The word "reconcile" shows two parties once
united, then separated by sin
-
,
alia now brought together again.
This involves the harmonious original creation, the fall, the
incarnation, and the whole plan of atonement.
"The reconciliation of God to man, and man to God, is sure
when certain conditions are
met."—Fundamentals of Christian
Education,
page 370. These conditions are faith in Christ as
our Sin Bearer, our representative before the Father, our Sus-
tainer and Redeemer.
"Came and preached peace." Jesus not only came and
preached peace; "He is our peace." Eph. 2:14. This peace in
our hearts is not just a pacific sentiment. It involves action in
the battle against sin—surrender to Christ, witness against
evil, work for others. It is peace of soul and personal commit-
ment in the struggle against all forms of evil.
"Access unto the Father." "We have access to God through
the merits of the name of Christ, and God invites us to bring
to Him our trials and temptations; for He understands them
all."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol.
6, p. 1116.
"We should all study carefully the instruction given in Co-
rinthians and Ephesians regarding our relation to one another
as members of the body of
Christ."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 500.
What phases of reconciliation are mentioned in our
lesson today? Why is it important to the believer to have
access to the Father? John 4:23, 24.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it important to be reconciled both to our fellowmen
and to God?
From Chaos to Community
LESSON 4
"One of Christ's last commands to
His disciples was 'Love one another as
I have loved you.' John 13:34. . . . If
we have in any way grieved or
wounded others, it is our duty to con-
fess our fault and seek for reconcilia-
32
tion. This is an essential preparation
that we may come before God in faith,
to ask His blessing."—"Christ's Object
Lessons," page 144.
See Matt. 18:15-17.
From Chaos to Community
LESSON 4
Wednesday
April 21
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and for-
eigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the
household of God."
Membership in the household of God is "the goal of God's
ways with mankind! . . . For this end Jew and Gentile are
being gathered into one and compacted into a new humanity."
—The Expositor's Bible,
Vol. 6, p. 39.
Note that whereas the figure used in verse 19 is that of a
household, in verse 20 it becomes a building, with "Jesus Christ
Himself being the chief cornerstone." Thanks be to the Father
for the "household of God"!
"Strangers and foreigners. . .
The strangers . . were aliens,
but the foreigners . . . were half-aliens, residents having no
rights of citizenship and more properly called 'sojourners' (see
Acts 7:6,
29)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 2:19.
"Household of faith.
That is, the church (see 1 Sam. 3:15;
Eph. 2:19; 1 Peter 4:17). The church has an obligation to all
men everywhere (see Matt. 28:19, 20), but first to its own
members. This is true both in spiritual and in material matters.
The church cannot serve the world acceptably unless its own
house is in order."—Ibid., on Gal. 6:10.
From the chaos of a world divided into Jews, Gentiles,
strangers, foreigners, et cetera, Paul passes into an orderly
community for which he uses the words fellow citizens, saints
(holy ones), household of God. This all recalls God's original
plan to make Israel "an holy nation." Ex. 19:6. God can wait
and can change the details of His plans, but He always carries
out His basic purpose.
Part 4
THE HIGH
PRIVILEGE
OF COMMUNITY
Eph. 2:19
THINK IT THROUGH
Does the honor mentioned in the following quotation
describe the believers' real situation today?
"We should realize more clearly the
value of the promises God has made to
us, and appreciate more deeply the
honor He has given us. God can bestow
no higher honor upon mortals than to
5—A2Qt71
adopt them into His family, giving them
the privilege of calling Him Father.
There is no degradation in becoming
children of God."—"Fundamentals of
Christian Education," page 481.
33
From Chaos to Community
LESSON 4
Part 5
COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
Eph. 2:20, 21
Thursday
April 22
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles
and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner-
stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together
groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord."
Here the heterogenous group of Jews, Gentiles, strangers,
foreigners, become the household of God. Paul's favorite meta-
phor for this change is "the temple of God," or the church as
a "building fitly framed together," et cetera.
Jesus expressed one of the great principles of the kingdom
when He said: "I will build My church; and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it." Matt. 16:18. The believers in all
ages should be assured by this declaration. Compare 1 Cor.
3:9-17; 2 Cor. 6:16, where the unity of the church of Christ is
the great burden of the apostle.
"The prophets to whom God revealed the riches of His grace
and the apostles, the special evangels of this grace, constitute
the foundation. Other Christians make up the structure of the
building. This passage does not say that the church was to be
founded on one apostle, Peter, but upon all of them, with
Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.
"Chief corner stone.
This expression is found only here and
in 1 Peter 2:6, where the building is described as made of liv-
ing stones. . . . The cornerstone is viewed as that which holds
together an edifice. Christ holds together the various parts of
the spiritual house, giving shape and unity to it. The metaphor
is drawn from Ps. 118:22 and was applied by Christ to Him-
self (Matt.
21:42)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 2:20.
In 1 Peter 2:6, cited from Isaiah 28:16, we have "a Chief
Cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall
not be confounded."
THINK IT THROUGH
Does the church today owe anything to the builders
of the past? 1 Cor. 3:6, 7; Heb. 1:1, 2.
"One after another the foremost of
the builders fell by the hand of the
enemy. Stephen was stoned; James was
slain by the sword; Paul was beheaded;
Peter was crucified; John was exiled.
Yet the church grew. New workers took
the place of those who fell, and stone
after stone was added to the building.
34
Thus slowly ascended the temple of the
church of God. . . .
"Through the ages that have passed
since the days of the apostles, the build-
ing of God's temple has never ceased."
—"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 597,
598.
From Chaos to Community
LESSON 4
Ei
Friday
April 23
Part 6
"In whom ye also are builded together for an habita-
A CONTRIBUTING tion of God through the Spirit."
COMMUNITY
Eph. 2:22
the believers in spiritual victories. They have been reconciled,
We have seen how the apostle has traced the experience of
have access to the Father, are members of the "household of
God," they have a firm foundation, and then finally they are
informed that the community "groweth."
Now the apostle challenges them with the part they are to
act in the growth of the church. They are to be a contributing
community. They are called upon to perform their part in
making the "habitation of God." In 1 Peter 2:5, 9 they are
"lively stones" and "a chosen generation." What do all these
metaphors mean to you about believers? Do they convey the
idea of the importance and value of the church and the re-
sponsibilities of the believers?
Believers are to understand that they can build the church
by their influence for God, by good works to those in need, by
their testimony to others, by their faithful support of the
church, by fidelity to God and obedience to His Word.
"This building [the first temple] represents God's spiritual
temple, which is composed of material gathered out of every
nation, and tongue, and people. . . . They are living stones,
quarried out from the world by the truth; and the great
Master-Builder, the Lord of the temple, is now hewing and
polishing them, and fitting them for their respective places in
the spiritual temple. . . .
"The care shown in the building of the temple [of Solomon]
is a lesson to us regarding the care that we are to show in our
character building. No cheap material was to be used. No hap-
hazard work was to be done in matching the different parts.
Piece must fit piece perfectly. Just as God's temple was, so
must His church be."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SD A Bible
Commentary, Vol.
2, pp. 1029, 1030.
Of what did the apostle assure the Ephesians regard-
ing their status in the community? Eph. 2:19.
THINK IT THROUGH
In view of the faithfulness of the workers for God in
the past, what is our duty as members of the church
today?
"Through the ages that have passed
since the days of the apostles, the
building of God's temple has never
ceased. . . .
"Paul and the other apostles, and all
the righteous who have lived since then,
have acted their part in the building of
the temple. But the structure is not yet
complete. We who are living in this age
have a work to do, a part to act."—"The
Acts of the Apostles," pages 598, 599.
35
9E
Answers: (1) "Having no hope, and without God in the world"; (2) By the blood of Christ; (3)
Christ; (4) fellow citizens, of the household of God; (5) Apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ
the Chief Cornerstone; (6) Those whom God has chosen of every nation.
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MISSION - ITS CROSS AND ITS CROWN
5
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Tim. 2:3.
Study Helps:
Steps
to Christ,
pages 87,
88;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 112-122,
155-165;
SDA Bible Commentary.
Most interesting and inspiring is the
aspect of church history which deals with
the church's sense of mission. This concept
is precious and uplifting to each member
of the church. To the minister and the
Christian worker it is dynamic, charged
with the power of God.
Mission has meant much to the Christian
church. It seems to have a different ap-
proach in each case, but each is alike in its
goals. One of the great tasks of the leaders
of the church is to maintain balance and
unity in fulfilling its mission.
Great numbers of men and women across
the centuries and in our own times have
gone across the world in mission for God.
Others have persevered at desolate and ob-
scure posts of duty for long and torturous
years. Sometimes God-authenticated mis-
sion seems not too heroic, but it is always
glorious in the end.
Think on the Writer:
"At the gate of
Damascus the vision of the Crucified One
changed the whole current of his life. The
persecutor became a disciple, the teacher a
learner. . . . To the desert of Arabia he
went, there to . . . learn of God."
Educa-
tion,
page 65.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Call to Duty
Eph. 3:1-3
2.
Mission Shared
Eph. 3:3-6
3.
Mission Explained
Eph. 3:7
4.
Grandeur of the Mission
Eph. 3:8, 9
5.
Carrying on the Mission
2 Tim. 1:11, 12
6.
Enduring the Suffering of the
Mission
2 Tim. 4:7, 8
37
Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown
LESSON 5
Sunday
April 25
Part 1
"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for
CALL TO DUTY you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the
grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that
Eph. 3:1-3 by revelation He made known unto me the mystery."
"For this cause." That is, because of the solid foundations
and beauty of Christ's church. This phrase occurs in verse 14
and in Titus 1:5, and in no other place in the New Testament.
Because of the blessings that have come to the community of
the saints, Paul prays for more.
"Dispensation of the grace of God." Does this mean his con-
version, his imprisonment, his preaching power to the Gentiles,
or his knowledge of truth?
Paul's example of prompt and unreserved obedience to his
commission can be followed (1 Cor. 11:1) by all of us in the
church. We shall do well to read again the references made to
his call to duty on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3-31; 22:6-21;
26:12-19) and meditate on the Christian principles involved.
To imitate his example will bring freshness and enrichment to
our Christian experience.
"The Saviour had spoken to Saul through Stephen, whose
clear reasoning could not be controverted. .
. He had wit-
nessed Stephen's forbearance toward his enemies and his for-
giveness of them. He had also witnessed the fortitude and cheer-
ful resignation of many whom he had caused to be tormented
and afflicted."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 116.
"For you Gentiles.
Paul was in prison because of his labors
for the Gentiles (Acts 21:28), particularly for his maintaining
that they were equally heirs to the promises. It was thus he
had gained the hatred of his own countrymen. His breadth of
vision leaped across all national barriers."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Eph. 3:1.
"To you-ward.
That is, to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15 ;
22:
21). His career and lifework consisted of entire commitment to
the service of others (Acts 26:17, 18; Rom.
1:5)."—Ibid.,
on
Eph. 3:2.
Who made the first favorable Christian impression on
Paul? Why was Paul a prisoner?
THINK IT THROUGH
In the circumstances of the conversion of Paul, how
was the authority of the church confirmed? Acts 9:15.
"Thus Jesus gave sanction to the au-
thority of His organized church and
placed Saul in connection with His ap-
pointed agencies on earth....
"He respects the means that He has
ordained for the enlightenment and
38
salvation of men; He directs sinners to
the church, which He has made a chan-
nel of light to the world....
"Christ is the fountain; the church is
the channel of communication."—"The
Acts of the Apostles," page 122.
Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown
LESSON 5
Part 2
MISSION
SHARED:•
Eph. 3:3-6
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
April 26
"(As I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye
read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery
of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto
the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy
apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles
should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and par-
takers of His promise in Christ by the gospel."
Jews had no more extra privileges. Gentiles would suffer no
discrimination. The gospel now was to know no national bor-
ders. To the apostle this had been revealed by the Holy Spirit.
He now makes public announcement. Fellow heirs! Fellow
saints! Both are admitted to the church on equal footing; both
are children of God. Both would suffer with Christ and both
would reign with Him. Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:29.
What truth does the apostle now announce? To whom
was this truth revealed along with Paul? By whom was
it revealed? What three privileges did this revelation
give the Gentiles?
"The Saviour longed to unfold to His disciples the truth re-
garding the breaking down of the 'middle wall of partition'
between Israel and the other nations. . . . This truth was re-
vealed in part at the time when He rewarded the faith of the
centurion at Capernaum, and also when He preached the gospel
to the inhabitants of Sychar. Still more plainly was it revealed
. . . when He healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman.
These experiences helped the disciples to understand that among
those whom many regarded as unworthy of salvation, there
were souls hungering for the light of truth.
"Thus Christ sought to teach the disciples . . . that in God's
kingdom there are no territorial lines, no caste, no aristocracy.
. . . But not until later did they realize in all its fullness that
God `hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell
on all the face of the earth.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
19, 20.
What can the individual Christian, whatever his social
or racial background, do today to eliminate the walls of
partition? Does the greeting of Ananias to Saul ("Brother
Saul," Acts 9:17) help us find the way?
"The same agencies that barred men
away from Christ eighteen hundred
years ago are at work today. ... Pride
and prejudice have built strong walls
of separation between different classes
of men. Christ and His mission have
been misrepresented, and multitudes
feel that they are virtually shut away
from the ministry of the gospel. But let
them not feel that they are shut away
from Christ. There are no barriers which
man or Satan can erect but that faith
can penetrate."—"The Desire of Ages,"
page 403.
39
Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown
LESSON 5
Part 3
MISSION
EXPLAINED
Eph. 3:7
Tuesday
April 27
"Whereof I was made a minister, according to the
gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual
working of His power."
Paul was made a minister by divine appointment. Compare
Col. 1:23. The gospel ministry is a gift and an obligation. It is
an honor and will be rewarded. 1 Peter 5:2-4. He testifies to the
working of God's power in his experience. His conversion as
one who persecuted the saints was indeed extraordinary. He
recognized the working of the power of God in his call to the
ministry and his subsequent success. 1 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 6:6.
He came to realize that the strength of God was "made perfect
in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9.
"Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample oppor-
tunity for quiet study and meditation. He calmly reviewed his
past experience and made sure
work
of repentance. He sought
God with all his heart, resting not until lie
krieiv
for a certainty
that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned. He
longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his
coming ministry. He emptied his soul of the prejudices and
traditions that had hitherto shaped his life, and received instruc-
tion from the Source of truth. . . .
"When the mind of man is brought into communion with
the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite, the effect on body
and mind and soul is beyond estimate. In such communion is
found the highest education."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
125,126.
"Throughout his later ministry, Paul never lost sight of the
Source of his wisdom and strength."—Ibid., p. 128.
How graciously did Paul acknowledge Peter's success
in labor for Christ? Gal. 2:8, 9: "Wrought effectually in
Peter." Compare Eph. 3:7, where Paul spoke of his own
work. Does grace make us gracious to all other men?
Does this build up Christ's church? Eph. 1:9-12.
THINK IT THROUGH
As we consider Paul's devotion to the cause of God
and his earnestness in its work, what does his example
inspire us to be and do?
"Paul's was a life of intense and
varied activities. From city to city, from
country to country, he journeyed, tell-
ing the story of the cross, winning con-
verts to the gospel, and establishing
churches. For these churches he had a
constant care, and he wrote many let-
ters of instruction to them. At times he
worked at his trade to earn his daily
40
bread. But in all the busy activity of
his life, he never lost sight of the one
great purpose,—to press toward the
mark of his high calling.
"Paul carried with him the atmo-
sphere of heaven. All who associated
with him felt the influence of his union
with Christ"—"Gospel Workers," pages
58, 59.
Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown
LESSON 5
Wednesday
April
28
Part 4
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is
GRANDEUR OF this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles
MISSION the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men
see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from
the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
Eph. 3:8, 9 created all things by Jesus Christ."
Paul here presents the grandeur of the mission. He remembers
his persecution of the saints (1 Cor. 15:9), his human frailty,
his need of grace for the monumental task. He is amazed at
the truth he is to preach, its unity, its regenerating power. He
is to "make all men see" the importance of the gospel. 2 Cor.
5:10, 11. He is to develop fellowship and brotherhood in a
world of animosity and division.
"Even these words [Deut. 4:5-8] fail of expressing the great-
ness and the glory of God's purpose to be accomplished through
His people. Not to this world only but to the universe are we
to make manifest the principles of His
kingdom."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 13.
God uses men who have made mistakes, but who have re-
pented. Consider the case of the apostle Peter:
'Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon.' Thus God
gave evidence of His regard for the gospel ministry and for
His organized church. The angel was not commissioned to tell
Cornelius the story of the cross. A man subject, even as the
centurion himself, to human frailties and temptations, was to
be the one to tell him of the crucified and risen Saviour.
"As His representatives among men, God does not choose
angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like
passions with those they seek to save. Christ took humanity
that He might reach humanity."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 134.
How did Paul consider himself? What were the two
characteristics of the message Paul was to preach to the
Gentiles? How long had this truth been hidden from the
notice of the world? See lesson texts.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there something for the church to learn from the
call, the humility, the earnestness, and the success of the
apostle Paul? Mention a few lessons we ought to learn
from Paul's experience.
"As your soul yearns after God, you
will find more and still more of the
unsearchable riches of His grace. As
you contemplate these riches you will
come into possession of them and will
reveal the merits of the Saviour's sac-
6—A2Qt71
rifice, the protection of His righteous-
ness, the fullness of His wisdom, and
His power to present you before the
Father 'without spot, and blameless.'"
—"The Acts of the Apostles," page 567.
41
Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown
LESSON 5
Thursday
April 29
"Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apos-
tle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause
I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that He is able to
keep
that which I have committed unto
Him against that day."
In verse 10 Paul speaks of life and immortality brought to
light through the gospel, and now refers to that gospel "where-
unto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher."
These titles are referred to elsewhere relating to the glorious
gospel "committed to my trust." 1 Tim. 1:11; 2:7. Compare
Eph. 1:1.
He loved the people. 1 Cor. 16:24. He served the Lord with
humility. Acts 20:19. He was diligent and untiring in his
labors. 1 Thess. 2:9. He was not covetous. Acts 20:33. He
preached the cross of Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 2:2. He depended on
the prayers of the church. Rom. 15:30-32. He carried a burden
for all the churches. 2 Cor. 11:28. He was always planning
advance in the Lord's work. Rom. 15:24.
"The apostle felt that he was to a large extent responsible
for the spiritual welfare of those converted under his labors.
. . . Often in his ministry he would meet with little companies
of men and women who loved Jesus, and bow with them in
prayer, asking God to teach them how to maintain a living
connection with Him. Often he took counsel with them as to
the best methods of giving to others the light of gospel truth."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 262.
Describe some of the principles used by Paul in his
work. Are they valid and relevant to the work of the
gospel today? (For example, assurance of divine call;
also, a sense of God's power, as in Eph. 1:19.)
Part 5
CARRYING ON
THE MISSION
2 Tim. 1:11, 12
THINK IT THROUGH
Should not the churches in general urge young men
of talent to prepare for the ministry? In the days just
ahead many more ministers will be needed.
"Paul made it a part of his work to
educate young men for the gospel min-
istry. He took them with him on his
missionary journeys, and thus they
gained an experience that later en-
abled them to fill positions of respon-
sibility....
42
"This feature of Paul's work teaches
an important lesson to ministers today.
Experienced laborers do a noble work
when, instead of trying to carry all the
burdens themselves, they train younger
men, and place burdens on their shoul-
ders."—"Gospel Workers," page 102.
Mission—Its Cross and Its Crown
LESSON 5
Part 6
ENDURING THE
SUFFERING OF
THE MISSION
2 Tim. 4:7, 8
Friday
April 30
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me
a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but
unto all them also that love His appearing."
Note some of the sufferings of the apostle as he carried out
his mission. They will give understanding of this wonderful
man as he carried on "in Christ." Jesus told His disciples that
they would be hated, persecuted, scourged, driven from one city
to another. "If they have persecuted Me, they will also perse-
cute you." John 15:20. See Matt. 10:17, 22. The apostle Paul
had his full measure of persecution and abuse. Acts 14:19, 20;
16:23 ; 2 Tim. 3:11 ; 2 Cor. 11:23-27. Do you think we in the
church today are ready for a repetition of this kind of persecu-
tion?
"Without money, without friends, without counsel, the aged
prisoner stood before Nero—the countenance of the emperor
bearing the shameful record of the passions that raged within;
the face of the accused telling of a heart at peace with God.
Paul's experience had been one of poverty, self-denial, and
suffering. Notwithstanding constant misrepresentation, reproach,
and abuse, by which his enemies had endeavored to intimidate
him, he had fearlessly held aloft the standard of the cross. Like
his Master, he had been a homeless wanderer, and like Him, he
had lived to bless humanity."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
493, 494.
How many times was Paul beaten with stripes? With
rods? How many times was
he
stoned? How many times
was he shipwrecked? What was Paul's reaction to per-
secution for Christ's sake? 2 Cor. 11:23-30. Is persecu-
tion an unmixed evil or a blessing to the Christian and
to the church? Matt. 5:11, 12.
THINK IT THROUGH
Compare Col. 1:25, 26 and Eph. 1:1, 9 (the call of God
to Saul of Tarsus) with today's lesson scriptures, and say
what you think of the enduring qualities of man's faith.
"Amidst the constant storm of opposi-
tion, the clamor of enemies, and the
desertion of friends the intrepid apo-
stle almost lost heart. But he looked
back to Calvary and with new ardor
pressed on to spread the knowledge of
the Crucified. He was but treading the
blood-stained path that Christ had trod-
den before him. He sought no discharge
from the warfare till he should lay off
his armor at the feet of his Redeemer."
—"The Acts of the Apostles," page 297.
43
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divine appointment; (4) Gentiles; (5) preacher, apostle, teacher; (6) good fight, my course, kept
the faith.
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GOD'S PURPOSE VICTORIOUSLY FULFILLED
"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strength-
ened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." Eph. 3:16.
Study Helps:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 399-418;
Prophets and Kings,
pages
229-234;
SDA Bible Commentary.
Our lesson this week is that the church
on earth is to have a large part in the vin-
dication of the wisdom and knowledge of
God as set forth in the plan of redemption.
The church is to be "a spectacle unto the
world, and to angels, and to men." 1 Cor.
4:9. Beings throughout the universe are to
see the working of God's grace, His mercy,
His forbearance, and His forgiveness operat-
ing for the redemption of sinners. They
will behold humanity (as many as will ac-
cept) rescued from their plight by Divinity.
Think on the Writer:
"He felt deeply
the danger that threatened those for whom
he had labored so earnestly, and he sought
as far as possible to supply by written
communications the place of his personal
instruction. He also sent out authorized
delegates to labor among the churches he
had raised up. . . . These messengers ren-
dered him faithful service, and being in
communication with them, he was informed
concerning the conditions and dangers of
the churches, and was enabled to exercise
a constant supervision over them."—Ellen
G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 281.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Church Displays Wisdom of God
Eph. 3:10, 11
2.
Providence in Tribulation
Eph. 3:12, 13
3.
Paul's Challenge to Prayer
Eph. 3:14, 15
4.
Strength in the Inner Man
Eph. 3:16, 17
5.
Understanding the Love of
Christ
Eph. 3:18, 19
6.
God's Abundance Available
to the Believer
Eph. 3:20, 21
45
God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled
LESSON 6
Part 1
CHURCH DISPLAYS
WISDOM OF GOD
Eph. 3:10, 11
Sunday
May 2
"To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly places might be known by the church
the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal
purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
At creation the beings of other worlds were glad. Job 38:7.
Beings in heaven are concerned about the gospel cause. 1 Peter
1:12. One sinner converted stirs heaven. Luke 15:7. God pur-
poses to give the universe a demonstration of His love through
the church.
"By the church. . . .
The church was intended to be a living
demonstration of God's wisdom, even as a recovered patient is
a witness to the skill of the physician. . . . The church is not
so much an agent of the power and wisdom of God as it is a
proof or evidence of it. . .
"Manifold wisdom.
Especially as manifested in the work of
redemption. The wisdom of God is also shown in the manifold
forms in the material world, in the complexities of the human
mind, and in the innumerable methods He uses to reach men
and effect their salvation. The full extent of this wisdom will
not be understood until the plan of salvation is ended. . . .
"Christ Jesus our Lord. . . .
Paul reminds his readers that
the historic Jesus whom they acknowledged as Lord was the
Christ of the eternal purpose of God to effect man's salvation
and to vindicate His character. The unity his purpose calls for
requires complete submission of each believer's will to its Lord
and Master. . . The church that cannot fuse into unity and
a common devotion to its Lord faces certain defeat and rejec-
tion."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 3:10, 11.
Describe the interest of the supernatural beings in the
gospel cause on this earth. Eph. 3:10; 1:21; 6:12. Name
the parts of God's plan in which Jesus plays a leading
role. Eph. 1:11, 12.
THINK IT THROUGH
How are the believers connected with the "final and
full display of the love of God"? Does this mean that
each individual of each congregation is involved?
"The church is God's appointed
agency for the salvation of men. It was
organized for service, and its mission
is to carry the gospel to the world.
From the beginning it has been God's
plan that through His church shall be
reflected to the world His fullness and
46
His sufficiency. . . . The church is the
repository of the riches of the grace
of Christ; and through the church will
eventually be made manifest . . . the
final and full display of the love of
God."—"The Acts of the Apostles,"
page 9.
God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled
LESSON 6
Part 2
PROVIDENCE IN
TRIBULATION
Eph. 3:12, 13
Monday
May 3
"In whom we have boldness and access with confi-
dence by the faith of Him. Wherefore I desire that ye
faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."
"Boldness" was in speech and witness, as opposed to vain
boasting. Paul knew the cause of his tribulation was his preach-
ing the gospel. Col. 4:3; Phil. 1:13; 2 Tim. 2:8, 9. Bonds spread
the gospel. Phil. 1:15-18. Paul had written: "All things work
together for good." Rom. 8:28.
"The Faith of Him. . . . We
can come to God with boldness
only on the basis that we have faith in Christ as our Mediator.
He has been the only One •to bridge the gulf that has separated
man from God since the entrance of sin.. .
"Faint. . . .
The apostle in prison was anxious that his flock
be not disturbed by his plight. He was concerned, not so much
for his own sake, but for theirs. They might conclude that what
he had preached had little saving power in it; that the God in
whom Paul trusted was unmindful of His servant's fate; that
they themselves might soon face similar trials. Suffering cou-
rageously borne is doubly glorious when both onlookers and
sufferers draw virtue from it.
"Your glory.
Paul, like a good pastor, identifies himself with
his flock. If he finds glory in his tribulation, they will share it
with him. He is suffering on account of his exalted office as
apostle and ambassador of God, and the Ephesians are the fruit
of that apostleship. Hence they are entitled to reflect the glory."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 3:12, 13.
Name some of the conclusions of Paul regarding his
bonds. Eph. 3:12-14. What is the importance of access to
the throne of grace at such times? Heb. 4:16.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the value of the belief in God's providence to
the Christian today? 2 Tim. 3:13-17. Do I trust in God's
providential leading in my life?
"Patience as well as courage has its
victories. By meekness under trial, no
less than by boldness in enterprise,
souls may be won to Christ. The
Christian who manifests patience and
cheerfulness under bereavement and
suffering, who meets even death itself
with the peace and calmness of an un-
wavering faith, may accomplish for the
gospel more than he could have ef-
fected by a long life of faithful labor.
Often when the servant of God is with-
drawn from active duty, the mysterious
providence which our shortsighted vi-
sion would lament is designed by God
to accomplish a work that otherwise
would never have been done."—"The
Acts of the Apostles," page 465.
47
Part 3
PAUL'S CHALLENGE
TO PRAYER
Eph. 3:14, 15
Tuesday
May 4
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven
and earth is named."
The thought interrupted in verse 1 is resumed in verse 14.
The apostle's prayer acknowledges that all the saints, Jews
and Gentiles, are stones in the same temple. Eph. 2:19-22. He
expresses the grand reconciliation by Christ of all in the church.
Paul's admonition, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also
am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1), applies at least in part to his
example of dependence on prayer.
An enriching idea is introduced with the mention of the fam-
ily of God. This gives new honor to the family of the re-
deemed.
"The whole family. . . .
Paul appears to be speaking of unity
and seems to conceive of the beings in heaven and the saints on
earth as one large family. If the translation 'every family' is
adopted [instead of 'the whole family'] it seems necessary to
conceive of several families in heaven. Such the Scriptures do
not describe. It seems better therefore to adopt the reading 'the
whole family,' which conveys the sense of unity and whole-
ness of the community of God, the Father of all, a theme to
which the apostle frequently reverts."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Eph. 3:15.
"To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave
His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family,
forever to retain His human nature. . . . He who is 'holy, harm-
less, undefiled' . . . is not ashamed to call us brethren. Heb.
7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of earth and the family of
heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our Brother."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 25, 26.
In whom is the family on earth united to the family
in heaven? Eph. 3:15. What are the responsibilities of
belonging to this family? 1 John 2:3, 4. The privileges?
1 John 2:5; 5:14, 15.
God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled
LESSON 6
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the significance of the worship of the family
on earth?
"The church of God below is one
with the church of God above. Believers
on the earth and the beings in heaven
who have never fallen constitute one
church.... In the inner court of heaven
they listen to the testimony of the wit-
nesses for Christ in the outer court on
48
earth, and the praise and thanksgiving
from the worshipers below is taken up
in the heavenly anthem, and praise and
rejoicing sound through the heavenly
courts because Christ has not died in
vain for the fallen sons of Adam."—
"Testimonies," Vol. 6, p. 366.
Part 5
UNDERSTANDING
THE LOVE
OF CHRIST
Eph. 3:18, 19
[11 Thursday
May 6
"May be able to comprehend with all saints what is
the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to
know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that
ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."
The goal of the apostle for the saints is to know the love of
Christ experimentally. His love for us is dynamic (Gal. 2:20) ; it
impels to duty (2 Cor. 5:14) ; it has a relation with the com-
mands of Jesus (John 15:10) ; and it is abundant (1 Tim.
1:14). The love of Christ is of fundamental importance to all
believers in their conversion and growth in spiritual things.
"May be able.
The subject to be grasped is beyond ordinary
comprehension; therefore Paul prays that his hearers may re-
ceive a special enabling power for the attainment of it. . . .
"All saints.. . .
There are certain spiritual transactions that
take place only in the individual heart, but there are other
matters that belong to the community of God, and this com-
prehension of the love of Christ is one of them. It is the com-
mon possession that binds believers together. .
"Love of Christ.
Here, apparently, not our love for Christ,
but His love for us. . .
"Fullness of God. . . .
Paul is presenting a most exalted view
of the nature of man and of his possibilities for growth in
grace. . . The blessings of God are not parceled out parsi-
moniously. They lead to an ever-increasing comprehension of
the mind of God, to a filling up of the void and empty places
in men's lives with spiritual power."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 3:18, 19.
"The contemplation
.
of the matchless depths of a Saviour's
love "gliFilld fillthrEind, touch and melt the soul, refine and
elevate the affections, and completely transform the whole
character."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 213.
What characteristics of the love of Christ do you see
in the words "breadth," "length," "depth," and "height"?
How does the love of Christ affect our lives? Can we love
Christ and remain unconcerned about other men's wel-
fare?
God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled
LESSON 6
THINK IT THROUGH
How great should the influence of the love of Christ be
in our daily lives? Will others perceive its effects in our
deeds and words?
"With untold love our God has loved
us, and our love awakens toward Him
as we comprehend something of the
length and breadth and depth and
height of this love that passeth knowl-
edge. By the revelation of the attrac-
tive loveliness of Christ, by the knowl-
50
edge of His love expressed to us while
we were yet sinners, the stubborn heart
is melted and subdued, and the sinner
is transformed and becomes a child
of heaven."—"Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing," pages 76, 77.
God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled
LESSON 6
Part 6
GOD'S ABUNDANCE
AVAILABLE TO
THE BELIEVER
Eph. 3:20, 21
Friday
May 7
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abun-
dantly above all that we ask or think, according to the
power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the
church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without
end. Amen."
In the doxology here Paul gathers up all that God has done
for us through Christ. Compare other New Testament doxol-
ogies: Rom. 16:25-27; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Jude 24, 25. Divine
grace toward the saints is beyond human thought; hence, such
expressions as "exceeding abundantly." God has great and vast
power that works in the believers. Accomplishment of His pur-
poses is a mark of His greatness. Rom. 4:21; 2 Cor. 9:8. These
words filled the church with high spiritual courage as they
realized the approaching dangers (Acts 20:29, 30), persecutions
in the present and future (2 Thess. 1:4), and in the great task
of building up the work of God (Eph. 2:21, 22). "God is able"
has been the cry of the people of God through the centuries.
Dan. 3:17; Matt. 3:9; 2 Cor. 9:8. We know He is able also
in our day.
"The Lord Jesus seeks the cooperation of those who will
become unobstructed channels for the communication of His
grace. The first thing to be learned by all who would become
workers together with God is the lesson of self-distrust; then
they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of
Christ....
"It is not the highest work of education to communicate
knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which
is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul
with soul. It is only life than can beget life."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 249, 250.
Give some examples of what God has been able to
do for His people in past time. John 6:31; 1 Cor. 10:1-4.
What is the extent of divine ability to bless the believer
with His power? Ps. 23. What is the connection between
the church and the glory of God? Matt. 5:16.
THINK IT THROUGH
Name some of the obstacles to being useful in doing
good to others. What are the characteristics which fit one
for doing maximum good?
"He who loves Christ the most will
do the greatest amount of good. There
is no limit to the usefulness of one who,
by putting self aside, makes room for
the working of the Holy Spirit upon his
heart, and lives a life wholly conse-
crated to God. If men will endure the
necessary discipline, without complain-
ing or fainting by the way, God will
teach them hour by hour, and day by
day. . . . If His people will remove the
obstructions, He will pour forth the
waters of salvation in abundant streams
through the human channels."—"The
Desire of Ages," pages 250, 251.
51
God's Purpose Victoriously Fulfilled
LESSON 6
May
8
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
To whom is the "manifold wisdom of God" to be made known? (A) To
the apostles and prophets, (B) to the powers of earth, (C) to the powers in
heavenly places.
2.
What did Paul think was the cause of his having been made a prisoner?
(A) The Roman government, (B) the opposition of the Jews, (C) his preach-
ing of the gospel.
3.
Of whom is the family of God composed)
4.
Complete: "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory,
to be strengthened with might
5.
Complete: "And to know the love of Christ,
, that you may be filled with
6.
To what degree is God able to help the believer)
10
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1.1! 4pIdS Sal
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52
UNITY--SOURCE OF PEACE AND PROGRESS
7
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me
through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I
in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou
hast sent Me." John 17:20, 21.
Study Helps:
Testimonies,
Vol.
5,
pp.
236-248;
Steps to Christ,
chapter, "Grow-
ing Up Into Christ";
SDA Bible Commen-
tary.
This week we are to study the important
subject of unity. For the church, unity has
always been an important principle, in all
its aspects. In fact, unity among the be-
lievers and between the believers and God,
in the church as a whole, is an imperative
for final triumph. Quite generally unity has
been a requisite for advancement and prog-
ress. Unity strengthens, division weakens.
Unity produces peace, while division pro-
motes frustration.
Think on the Writer:
"The news he re-
ceived, of apostasy in churches of his own
planting, caused him deep anguish. He
greatly feared that his efforts in their be-
half would prove to have been in vain.
Many a sleepless night was spent in prayer
and earnest thought, as he learned of the
new and varied methods employed to coun-
teract his work. As he had opportunity, he
wrote to the churches, giving reproof, coun-
sel, admonition, and encouragement, as their
state demanded."—Ellen G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
page 147.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Challenge of Unity
Eph. 4:1-3
2.
Basis of Unity
Eph. 4:4-7
3.
Gifts of the Spirit for Unity
Eph. 4:8-1 1
4.
Fulfillment of God's Purposes
Through the Gifts
Eph. 4:12, 13
5.
Spiritual Strength From Unity
Eph. 4:14, 15
6.
A Growing, Enlarged Church
Eph. 4:16
53
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
LESSON 7
Sunday
May 9
Part 1
"1 therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that
CHALLENGE ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
OF UNITY with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering,
forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the
Eph. 4:1-3
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
The groundwork of unity is the personal relationship be-
tween each believer and the "one God, the Father ... ; and one
Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 8:6. The apostle now calls the atten-
tion of the believers to the components of the Christian way
in some detail: lowliness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance.
In his writings mention is made frequently of the calling of the
believer. 1 Cor. 7:20; Phil. 3:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; Heb. 3:1.
Gracious Christian practice is to endeavor "to keep the unity
of the Spirit." Effort and diligence through the grace of God
bring unity.
"The apostle exhorts his brethren to manifest in their lives
the power of the truth which he had presented to them. By
meekness and gentleness, forbearance and love, they were to
exemplify the character of Christ and the blessings of His
salvation."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 239.
"The meekness and lowliness of Christ is the Christian's
power. It is indeed more precious than all things which genius
can create or wealth can buy. Of all things that are sought,
cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the
sight of God as a pure heart, a disposition imbued with thank-
fulness and peace."—Ibid., Vol. 4, p. 559.
What does the apostle emphasize as the concern of the
believer? Eph. 4:3. Describe what he writes about the
calling of the Christian in the texts given above. By what
path is unity to be kept in the congregation?
THINK IT THROUGH
Was unity of great importance only for the church of
Paul's time, or is it likewise needed in the church today?
Am I doing everything to promote unity among the
brethren of the church?
"As members of the body of Christ
all believers are animated by the same
spirit and the same hope. Divisions in
the church dishonor the religion of
Christ before the world and give oc-
casion to the enemies of truth to justify
54
their course. Paul's instructions were
not written alone for the church in his
day. God designed that they should be
sent down to us. What are we doing
to preserve unity in the bonds of
peace?"—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 239.
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
LESSON 7
Monday
May
10
Part 2
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are
BASIS OF UNITY called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above
all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one
of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift
Eph. 4:4-7 of Christ."
"One body. . . .
The Christian is not a solitary pilgrim; he
belongs to a vital organism, the family of God. This unit re-
places the state, the club, and even the human family as the
supreme object of his attachment.
"One Spirit. . . .
The Spirit dispels the divisions within a
man's own life, the inner disharmonies that make of so many
lives veritable battlefields. Disunity is a certain sign that the
Holy Spirit is absent.
"One hope. . . .
The Spirit validates this hope. . . Such a
hope necessarily leads to the transformed life. . . .
"One Lord. . .
Those who give complete submission and
allegiance to the same Lord are not at enmity with one another.
He is Lord by creation and by re-creation, and all authority
rests with Him... .
"One faith.
Paul seems here to be speaking of subjective faith
in Christ as a personal Saviour rather than of faith as a creedal
system. . . . There is only one means of salvation, namely,
faith....
"One baptism.
Baptism by water aptly symbolizes death
and resurrection. Also, it signifies cleansing and separation, and
is a public announcement of union with the body of Christ.
Those thus initiated into the visible church grow together into
the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5).
"One God and Father of all. . . .
The common Father is the
source of all unity. The greatest fact that the human heart can
discover is that God is a Father who can be trusted, one who
is a friend to
man."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 4:4-6.
Describe these seven concepts which support Christian
unity and their relation to the individual believer. What
additional concept is given by the apostle in verse 7?
THINK IT THROUGH
Why do the spirit of prophecy writings give repeated
warnings against those whose actions tend to disrupt or
disunite the church?
"By the influence of the Spirit, the
most discordant may be brought into
harmony. Unselfishness is to bind God's
people together with firm, tender
bonds. There is a vast power in the
church when the energies of the mem-
bers are under the control of the Spirit,
gathering good from every source,
educating, training, and disciplining
self. . . . Thus heaven and earth are
connected, and all divine agencies co-
operate with human instrumentalities."
—"My Life Today," page 39.
55
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
LESSON 7
Tuesday
May
//
Part 3
"Wherefore He said, When He ascended up on high,
GIFTS OF THE He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now
SPIRIT FOR that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended
UNITY first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended
is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens,
that He might fill all things.) And He gave some, apostles;
and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,
Eph. 4:8-11
pastors and teachers."
The reference in verse 8 is to Psalm 68:18, traditionally con-
nected with the moving of the ark to Mount Zion. Hence, the
victory of the church is attributed to God's enabling power.
Wisdom and power (1 Cor. 1:24; Rom. 1:16) are given for the
accomplishment of God's purpose. There are functions to be
performed by the believers through God's grace, for the ac-
complishment of unity. 1 Cor. 1:10; 13:11; Phil. 1:27.
By what symbolic act did Jesus confer the Holy Spirit on
His disciples? John 20:22. This was a promise, for "not until
after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 327.
"Christ determined that when He ascended from this earth,
He would bestow a gift on those who had believed on Him,
and those who should believe on Him. . . . It must be worthy
of His greatness and His royalty. He determined to give His
representative, the Third Person of the Godhead. This gift
could not be excelled. He would give all gifts in one, and
therefore the divine Spirit, that converting, enlightening, and
sanctifying power, would be His donation."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, pp. 1052, 1053.
Is the list of gifts in Ephesians 4:11 complete, or does
it indicate that all necessary gifts will be forthcoming
when the church needs them? Compare the list in 1 Co-
rinthians 12:28. What attitude of the believer will aid in
preserving unity in the church?
THINK IT THROUGH
In what way does the ministry of the church have rele-
vance in our day? What significant truth is made known
in the paragraph that follows?
"The Lord has His appointed agen-
cies, and a church that has lived
through persecution, conflict, and dark-
ness. Jesus loved the church, and gave
Himself for it, and He will replenish,
refine, ennoble, and elevate it, so that
it shall stand fast amid the corrupting
influences of this world. Men appointed
56
of God have been chosen to watch with
jealous care, with vigilant persever-
ance, that the church may not be over-
thrown by the evil devices of Satan,
but that she shall stand in the world
to promote the glory of God among
men."—"Testimonies to Ministers,"
pages 52, 53.
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
LESSON 7
Wednesday
May 12
Part 4
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
FULFILLMENT OF ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we
GOD'S PURPOSES all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge
THROUGH THE GIFTS of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure
Eph. 4:12, 13
of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
"Perfecting." "To perfect"
(katartizio)
signifies either (1) to
mend what is broken, as in Matt. 4:21, or (2) to complete what
is unfinished, as in 1 Thess. 3:10. Continual growth and devel-
opment in loyalty and character is implied and not the reaching
of an ultimate perfection beyond which nothing more can be
attained in this life.
Peter writes: "Feed the flock" and gives other thought-
provoking suggestions (1 Peter 5:2, 3). What is to be the atti-
tude of the believer toward the minister? (Heb. 13:7, 17).
"They [those endued with power at Pentecost] were com-
pelled to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the
measure of the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.
Daily they prayed for fresh supplies of grace, that they might
reach higher and still higher toward perfection. Under the Holy
Spirit's working even the weakest, by exercising faith in God,
learned to improve their entrusted powers and to become sanc-
tified, refined, and ennobled."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
49, 50.
"There must be a continual advancement. Step by step His
followers must make straight paths for their feet, lest that
which is lame be turned out of the way. Those who would
labor for God must work intelligently to replenish the defi-
ciencies in themselves and glorify the Lord God of Israel by
standing in the light, working in the light of the Sun of Righ-
teousness. Thus they will carry the church forward and up-
ward and heavenward, making its separation from the world
more and more
distinct."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 406.
What goal does the apostle hold before the church
members and the ministry? In what way should the min-
istry and the believers work and worship together? How
zealous were those at Pentecost in cooperating with the
Spirit? Acts 2:46, 47.
THINK IT THROUGH
In God's work what is the part of the ministry? Of the
believers? Is our church doing its part?
"In sending forth His ministers our
Saviour gave gifts unto men, for
through them He communicates to the
world the words of eternal life. This is
the means which God has ordained for
the perfecting of the saints in knowl-
edge and true holiness....
"All who have been benefited by the
labors of God's servant should, accord-
ing to their ability, unite with him in
working for the salvation of souls. This
is the work of all true believers, min-
isters and people. They should keep
the grand object ever in view."—"Testi-
monies," Vol. 5, pp. 237, 238.
57
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
LESSON 7
Thursday
May
13
Part 5
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to
SPIRITUAL and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
STRENGTH by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby
FROM UNITY they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love,
may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head,
Eph. 4:14, 15
even Christ."
Christians should be alert for deception. Paul often men-
tions this seriously. 1 Cor. 3:18, 19; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:13, 14;
Col. 2:8.
Growth in spiritual things is a goal set before believers. It
is a part of the advantages to be reaped from unity in the
Spirit. Paul thanks God for one of the churches which has
grown in faith. 2 Thess. 1:3. To another he recommends grow-
ing as a part of Christian experience. Col. 1:10. He urges unity
as essential. See 1 Thess. 3:12, 13.
"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day
was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness.
In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth
has been proved •to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It
does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 309.
"Self-righteousness is not true righteousness, and those who
cling to it will be left to take the consequences of •holding a
fatal deception. Many today claim to obey the commandments
of God, but they have not the love of God in their hearts to
flow forth to
others."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 279.
"There can be no life without growth. The plant must either
grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but con-
tinuous, so is the growth of character. At every stage of de-
velopment our life may be perfect; yet if God's purpose for us
is fulfilled, there will be constant advancement."—Education,
pages 105, 106.
Name the main points of emphasis of today's lesson.
Name some of the effects of deception. How are the laws
of spiritual growth like those for the growth of plants?
Jer. 17:7, 8.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is the goal of spiritual growth an imperative for the
Christian?
"Our growth in grace, our joy, our
usefulness,—all depend upon our union
with Christ. It is by communion with
Him, daily, hourly,—by abiding in Him,
—that we are to grow in grace... . It
58
is Christ first and last and always. He
is to be with us, not only at the begin-
ning and the end of our course, but at
every step of the way."—"Steps to
Christ," page 69.
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
LESSON 7
Friday
May
14
Part 6
"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and
A GROWING, compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according
ENLARGED CHURCH to the effectual working in the measure of every part,
maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself
Eph. 4:16 in love."
The church is an institution that is to experience growth
and enlargement. Increase, enlarge, grow, advance, and build
were the ideals Paul cherished. Growth of the whole body was
to be accomplished through the efforts of the parts. He had
seen the church enlarge from Palestine and Syria to Asia Minor
(Acts 13), from Asia to Macedonia (Acts 16:9), and from
Macedonia to Achaia (1 Thess. 1:7). In true apostolic style
and courage he places before the Ephesian believers this image
of the future.
"Fitly joined together" is the same as "fitly framed to-
gether," as bonded together in a building. This is a striking
symbol for church unity. The body is compacted by the con-
tribution provided by every single joint or member.
"Fitly joined. . . .
Growing up into Him assures vitality
flowing from Him into the members of the body, which are
closely joined together. It is thus that persons of greatly varying
gifts are able to work together. . . .
"Maketh increase. . . .
It is a twofold increase—growth of
the church in numbers and of the individual in the spiritual
graces."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 4:16.
Describe the goals of the apostle as expressed in our
Scripture. How had the gospel gone from country to coun-
try in the time of Paul as described in the texts in the
above paragraph? Of what did the final objective of the
apostle consist?
THINK IT THROUGH
According to our text, how is the worldwide mission
of the church to be accomplished? Compare Matt. 28:
19,20.
"Christ's followers are to be more
than a light in the midst of men. They
are the light of the world.... As Christ
is the channel for the revelation of the
Father, so we are to be the channel for
the revelation of Christ. While our Sav-
iour is the great source of illumination,
forget not, 0 Christian, that He is re-
vealed through humanity. . . . The
church of Christ, every individual disci-
ple of the Master, is heaven's appointed
channel for the revelation of God to
men. Angels of glory wait to commu-
nicate through you heaven's light and
power to souls that are ready to per-
ish."—"Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing," page 40.
"Truth is, no doubt, the basis of
unity; but love is its vital power, at
once keeping together all who are
united, and drawing in those who are
as yet separated."—Ellicott's "Commen-
tary," on Eph. 4:16.
59
Unity—Source of Peace and Progress
LESSON 7
May 15
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Paul earnestly implored the Ephesian believers "to keep the
of the Spirit in the
2.
What are the two first reasons mentioned in support of unity in the church?
3.
When Jesus ascended up on high, what did He bestow on men?
4.
Complete: "For the perfecting of the
, for the work of the
, for the edifying of the
5.
Complete: "But speaking the truth in love,
into Him in
, which is the head, even Christ."
6.
What is the twofold increase envisaged in unity in the church
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60
11
PUTTING OFF THE OLD, PUTTING ON THE NEW
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32.
Study Helps:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 469-484;
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, pp. 239-
254;
SDA Bible Commentary.
The apostle well understood the impor-
tance of spiritual maturity and experience
in the believer. He proceeded to give in-
struction to the saints as to what they
should be and do in their role in the church
with a message to all the world. Paul knew
that a deeply spiritual church is composed
of deeply spiritual members.
The apostle knew as well that knowledge
must precede spirituality. He felt the bur-
den, and rightly so as an apostle, that he
should give them instruction. He undoubt-
edly recognized that instruction which is
written has many advantages over that
which is spoken. Quite probably he had
already spoken to them about the impor-
tant matters he now wrote to them about.
The apostle was a teacher (2 Tim. 1:11),
and he proceded to give the instruction.
Think on the Writer:
"In his ministry,
Paul was often compelled to stand alone.
He was specially taught of God and dared
make no concessions that would involve
principle. At times the burden was heavy,
but Paul stood firm for the right."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 199.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Abandon the Old
Eph. 4:17-19
2.
Old Way Not Learned of Christ
Eph. 4:20-22
3.
Put on the New Man
Eph. 4:23, 24
4.
Put Away Lying and Anger
Eph. 4:25-27
5.
Put Off Stealing and Bad
Language
Eph. 4:28, 29
6.
Grieve Not the Holy Spirit—
Be Kind
Eph. 4:30-32
61
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
LESSON 8
Sunday
May 16
Part 1
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye
ABANDON THE OLD henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity
of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being
alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that
is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who
being past feeling have given themselves over unto
Eph. 4:17-19 lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."
"This I say . . . , and testify" is typical of Paul's earnest
adjuration of the saints. Compare "I take you to record" (Acts
20:26), and "I testify . . . to every man" (Gal. 5:3). His deep
convictions often called on God as witness. Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor.
1:23. "Testify in the Lord" again indicates his conviction that
he was speaking with divine authority.
"Vanity" is the way of the world, as in 1 Cor. 3:20 also.
What the world calls wisdom is often ignorance and darkness.
It alienates men from God.
"Blindness of their heart" is sometimes rendered "hardness,"
indicating guilt for such a condition. Compare Mark 8:14-21,
where ignorance and hardness appear in the same connection.
Would the phrase "who being past feeling," indicate
a condition beyond redemption?
The whole point of this passage is that Christians should
turn round and go in a new moral direction.
"The apostle admonishes his brethren, in the name and by
the authority of the Lord Jesus, that after having professed
the gospel they should not conduct themselves as did the Gen-
tiles, but should show by their daily deportment that they had
been truly
converted."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, pp. 171, 172.
How is the worldly way of life described? What are
believers admonished not to do? Eph. 4:17; 1 Peter 1:14.
THINK IT THROUGH
How is our way of life, our manner of living, related
to the work we do? What is to be our attitude to "old
habits and customs"?
"God will not make men and women
channels of light while they are in dark-
ness and are content to remain so,
making no special efforts to connect
with the Source of light. . . . There is
much for each to unlearn with respect
to himself, as well as much to learn.
62
Old habits and customs must be shaken
off, and it is only by earnest struggles
to correct these errors, and a full recep-
tion of the truth in carrying out its prin-
ciples, by the grace of God, that the
victory can be gained."—"Testimonies,"
Vol. 4,
pp.
485, 486.
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
LESSON 8
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
May 17
"But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye
have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the
truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former
conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to
the deceitful lusts."
"Learned Christ" implies not the use of a magical name, but
to come to know both Christ and His way of life. When Paul
wrote of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 13:14), that
was another way of expressing the adoption of a new way of
life. It was not merely knowledge but a new moral attitude to
life.
"The sins that were practiced before conversion, are to be
put off, with the old man. With the new man, Christ Jesus, are
to be put on 'kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-
suffering.'
"—Sons and Daughters of God,
page 300.
There must be detachment from the old man, and attach-
ment to the new man in Christ Jesus. No compromise was
possible between the new man and the old. There was to be
no possible status of "peaceful coexistence" between them.
"Conversation" in our text means "manner of life, habitual
behavior, or personal conduct."
"Learned Christ. . . .
To have 'learned Christ' is not merely
to have learned something about Him; it is to have become
acquainted with His office and work as priest, prophet, king,
advocate, and mediator, and to have appropriated for one's life
the benefits of His atoning work. When Jesus Himself said
`learn of Me' (Matt. 11:29), He was presenting Himself as the
example; here He is offered, not as the great teacher, but as
the very object of knowledge and faith."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Eph. 4:20.
How was the teaching of Christ related to the Gentile
way of life? What was the attitude of the believers to
the teaching of Christ? What was to be the attitude
toward the "old man"?
Do you think that we today realize the fact that there
is to be no compromise between the "old man" and the
"new man"? How often do we need to put on the "new
man" to maintain a victorious Christian experience? Luke
9:23.
Part 2
OLD WAY NOT
LEARNED OF CHRIST
Eph. 4:20-22
"The former sinful nature is to be
stripped off once and for all, never to
be put on again; the new nature is to
be put on. . . . The robe of righteous-
ness is to replace the filthy garments
of self-righteousness. . . .
"The lusts of the flesh are deceitful
because they promise happiness but
give sorrow, promise freedom but give
slavery, promise immunity from the re-
sults of wrongdoing, only to bring de-
struction."—"SDA Bible Commentary,"
on Eph. 4:22.
63
Part 3
PUT ON THE
NEW MAN
Eph. 4:23, 24
Tuesday
May 18
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that
ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness."
Renewal is not just a wish. It involves a surrender of will
to Christ, followed by certain voluntary practices.
"And be renewed: from day to day, in contrast to the ad-
vancing corruption of the old man. Similar word, and same
idea of progressive renovation, in Col. 3:10, Rom. 12:2."—J.
Agar Beet,
Commentary on Paul's Epistles,
page 345.
"The heart that is surrendered to God, loves the truth of
God's Word; for through the truth the soul is regenerated. The
carnal mind finds no pleasure in contemplating the Word of
God, but he who is renewed in the spirit of his mind, sees new
charms in the living oracles; for divine beauty and celestial
light seem to shine in every
passage."—Fundamentals of Chris-
tian Education,
page 182.
"Be renewed. . . .
Despite centuries of degradation man still
shows some traces of the original handiwork of God, and by
the work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth and in sanctifica-
tion 'the old man' . . . may be created new again. . . .
"New. . . .
The putting on the new nature, or 'man,' is not
something we can accomplish of ourselves, nor is it merely a
renovated man. God is the active power in the re-creation, but
the change is not effected without man's consent and coopera-
tion.. ..
"After God. . . .
God Himself is the ideal after which the
new man is patterned (Matt. 5:48), and since the 'new man'
is actually a return to man's original state, it means the restora-
tion of the image of God in the soul."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 4:23, 24.
Who subdues the "old man" in the life of the believer
in God? After what pattern is the "new man"? What are
the characteristics of the "new man"?
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
LESSON 8
THINK IT THROUGH
Name some careless habits that can lead to the reap-
pearance of "the old man." In what ways does inward
renewal lead to outward change? Who is the judge of
the validity of inward renewal? 1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 17:10.
"I saw that great changes must be
wrought in the hearts and lives of very
many before God can work in them by
His power for the salvation of others.
They must be renewed after the image
of God, in righteousness and true holi-
64
ness. Then . . . every ambition of life
calculated to exalt self will be changed
by the grace of God and employed in
the special work of saving souls for
whom Christ died."—"Testimonies," Vol.
2, p. 484.
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
LESSON 8
Wednesday
May /9
Part 4
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man
PUT AWAY LYING truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of an-
AND ANGER other. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down
Eph. 4:25-27 upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil."
This epistle contains a series of motivating Christian prin-
ciples, and also a series of prohibitions. It is popular to decry
prohibitions as negative, but often it is as important to know
what we must and will not do, as it is to know what we will
do. For example, before any situation arises, we know that we
must not lie. If we are members of the body of Christ, practic-
ing or speaking falsehood to each other is impossible. The word
"neighbor" is not limited to fellow Christians. Luke 10:29 and
following verses.
"Be ye angry, and sin not." See Ps. 4:4, margin. Here is an
exhortation joining anger with sinlessness. What kind of anger?
"It is a righteous indignation against sin, which springs from
zeal for the glory of God, not that anger prompted by self-love
or wounded ambition, which is referred to in the scripture, 'Be
ye angry, and sin
not.'"—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 101.
"Then Paul gives the reason for telling the truth. It is be-
cause we are all members of the same body. We can only live
in safety because the senses and the nerves pass true messages
to the brain. .
. If, for instance, they told the brain that
something was cool and touchable when in fact it was hot and
burning, life would very soon come to an end. . . . All decep-
tion impairs the working of the body of Christ."—William
Barclay,
Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians,
on Eph. 4:25,
page 184.
THINK IT THROUGH
What specific sins named in this lesson are to be put
away from the life of the new man? Compare "the wrath
of God" and the anger of man. What is the exhortation
with regard to anger? How does anger "give place to
the devil"? Prov. 15:18.
Do we know from Christian moral principles what we
shall or shall not do in a given situation, or do we wait
for a difficult situation to arise, and then act on the spirit
of the moment? How is righteous indignation identified?
"It is true there is an indignation that
is justifiable, even in the followers of
Christ. When they see that God is dis-
honored, and His service brought into
disrepute, when they see the innocent
oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs
the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive
morals, is not a sin. But those who at
any supposed provocation feel at lib-
erty to indulge anger or resentment
are opening the heart to Satan. Bitter-
ness and animosity must be banished
from the soul if we would be in har-
mony with heaven."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 310.
65
Thursday
May 20
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him
labor, working with his hands the thing which is good,
that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no
corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but
that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may
minister grace unto the hearers."
"Let the thief no longer steal!' From the lowest dregs of
the Greek cities—from its profligate and criminal classes—the
gospel had drawn its converts (comp. 1 Cor. vi.9-11). In the
Ephesian church there were converted thieves; and Christian-
ity had to make of them honest
workmen."—Expositor's Bible,
Vol. 6, p. 74, on Eph. 4:28. See also 1 Cor. 6:10; 1 Peter 4:15.
"Corrupt communication." Here is a graphic prohibition
against inappropriate speech. The gift of speech is to be used
to edify, to build up spiritual life.
"The right culture and use of the power of speech has to do
with every line of Christian work; it enters into the home life,
and into all our intercourse with one another. We should ac-
custom ourselves to speak in pleasant tones, to use pure and
correct language, and words that are kind and courteous. Sweet,
kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The
Scripture says of Christ that grace was poured into His lips
that He might 'know how to speak a word in season to him
that is weary.' Ps. 45:2; Isa. 50:4. And the Lord bids us, 'Let
your speech be alway with grace' (Col. 4:6) 'that it may min-
ister grace unto the hearers' (Eph.
4:29)."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 336.
What does Paul exhort Christians to do as the antidote
for stealing? Eph. 4:28. To what place will the thief never
be admitted? 1 Cor. 6:10.
Part 5
PUT OFF STEALING
AND BAD
LANGUAGE
Eph. 4:28, 29
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
LESSON 8
THINK IT THROUGH
How should the believer give counsel or correction to
his brother? What is given as a good rule in conversation?
Would you say that the vast outpouring of words in our
day is characterized by quantity or by quality?
"In giving reproof or counsel, many
indulge in sharp, severe speech, words
not adapted to heal the wounded soul.
By these ill-advised expressions the
spirit is chafed, and often the erring
ones are stirred to rebellion.... Under
all circumstances reproof should be
spoken in love. . . .
"No evil speaking, no frivolous talk,
66
no fretful repining or impure sugges-
tion, will escape the lips of him who
is following Christ.. ..
"When in the company of those who
indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty
to change the subject of conversation if
possible."—"Christ's Object Lessons,"
page 337.
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
LESSON 8
Friday
May
21
"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye
are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness,
and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be
put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one
to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
The sins Paul has been specifying in previous verses all
grieve the Holy Spirit. The seal of God is on the man whose
faith in Christ's righteousness produces a holy life. The disciples
were so sealed at Pentecost. See Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1055.
A few examples of how the Holy Spirit is grieved:
"But there are many who have little faith. They are always
fearing and borrowing trouble. . . . And their fear and repining
grieve the Holy
Spirit."—Gospel Workers,
page 261.
"Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of
human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is
grieved."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 120.
"Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding
to feelings of covetousness."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 72.
"When we seem to doubt God's love and distrust His prom-
ises, we dishonor Him and grieve His Holy Spirit."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 118.
"It is not the opposition of the world that most endangers
the church of Christ. It is the evil cherished in the hearts of
believers that works their most grievous disaster and most
surely retards the progress of God's cause. There is no surer
way of weakening spirituality than by cherishing envy, sus-
picion, faultfinding, and evil surmising. On the other hand, the
strongest witness that God has sent His Son into the world is
the existence of harmony and union among men of varied dis-
positions who form His church."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 549.
How is the believer to take care with regard to the
Holy Spirit? Name the six evils the believer is now ex-
horted to put away. Eph. 4:31.
Part 6
GRIEVE NOT THE
HOLY SPIRIT—
BE KIND
Eph. 4:30-32
THINK IT THROUGH
What attitude should the believer have toward those
who have offended him but do not ask his forgiveness?
"We should not think that unless
those who have injured us confess the
wrong we are justified in withholding
from them our forgiveness. It is their
part, no doubt, to humble their hearts
by repentance and confession; but we
are to have a spirit of compassion
toward those who have trespassed
against us, whether or not they con-
fess their faults."—"Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing," pages 113, 114.
67
Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
LESSON 8
May 22
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Complete: "Having the understanding
, being alienated
from the life of God through the
that is in them, because
of the
of their heart."
2.
What is meant by the words: "The old man")
3.
What is the meaning of the words: "The new man"?
4.
Complete: "Let not the sun go down upon your
5.
What is the reason Paul gives for exhorting the believer to work with his
hands?
6.
Complete: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
, even as God for Christ's sake hath
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68
WALK IN THE LIGHT
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children." Eph. 5:1.
Study Helps:
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pages
50-55;
The Desire of Ages,
pages 321-327;
Prophets and Kings,
pages 177-179, 186,
187, 207-210;
SDA Bible Commentary.
In the epistles of Paul the concepts of
light and darkness are used as figures to
represent righteousness and iniquity. If the
recurrence of these figures has value, they
must make a deep impression on the lis-
teners.
The intention is clearly to impress the
believers with the logic and reason support-
ing walking in the light. He tells them that
they were "sometimes darkness." In other
words their way of life before conversion
was laid in paths of iniquity. But they have
been converted and are now "light in the
Lord." Hence it is only logical and natural
that they should walk in the light. The
force of this reasoning really retains its
dynamic for the believers of today. Medi-
tate on this!
Think on the Writer:
"Among those
who had been converted at Lystra, . . . was
one who was afterward to become a promi-
nent worker for Christ. . . . This was . . .
Timothy. When Paul was dragged out of
the city [after being stoned], this youthful
disciple was among the number who . . .
saw him arise, bruised and covered with
blood, but with praises upon his lips be-
cause he had been permitted to suffer for
the sake of Christ."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 184, 185.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Power Through Example
Eph. 5:1, 2
2.
Conquer or Be Conquered
Eph. 5:3-5
3.
Don't Be Fooled
Eph. 5:6, 7
4.
As Children of Light
Eph. 5:8, 9
5.
Acceptable to God
Eph. 5:10
6.
The Test Is Light
Eph. 5:11-13
69
Walk in the Light
LESSON 9
Sunday
May 23
Part 1
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
POWER THROUGH and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath
EXAMPLE given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for
Eph. 5:1, 2 a sweet-smelling savor."
"Therefore be imitators of God" (RSV) "as well loved chil-
dren imitate their father," (Barclay), raises the question: In
what ways can man imitate God? Obviously only in moral
qualities. These all find expression in the comprehensive meaning
of love.
"When Paul talked of imitation, he was using language
which the wise men of Greece could understand.
Mimesis,
"imi-
tation," was a main part in the training for an orator. The
teachers of rhetoric declared that the learning of oratory de-
pended on three things—theory, imitation, and practice."—Bar-
clay, on Eph. 5:1.
Christ is our example, and we are all to imitate His great
example. 1 Peter 2:21.
"It is designed that there should be a perpetual unfolding
and enlarging of our spiritual powers and excellences. All our
desires, hopes, efforts, are to be toward this. We are to be filled
with the divine thoughts, replenished with the divine energy,
warmed with the divine love. As a child catches the very tone
of his father, so we are to catch the tone of our heavenly Father.
. . . We are His beloved children."—The
Pulpit Commentary,
New Edition, page 231, on Eph. 5:1-14.
"We may, by following the example of the Saviour, be in
holy communion with Him; and by daily seeking to imitate
His character and follow His example, we shall be a blessing to
the world and shall secure for ourselves contentment here and
an eternal reward
hereafter."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 227.
What fundamental principle of Christian life does the
apostle recommend? Eph. 5:1; 1 Thess. 1:6. What is
meant by being followers "as dear children"?
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the message of the early years of Jesus? Is
His example of spiritual benefit even in our days?
"Jesus is our example. There are
many who dwell with interest upon the
period of His public ministry, while
they pass unnoticed the teaching of His
early years. But it is in His home life
that He is the pattern for all children
and youth. The Saviour condescended
to poverty, that He might teach how
70
closely we in a humble lot may walk
with God. . . . His work began in con-
secrating the lowly trade of the crafts-
men who toil for their daily bread. He
was doing God's service just as much
when laboring at the carpenter's bench
as when working miracles for the mul-
titude."—"The Desire of Ages," page 74.
Walk in the Light
LESSON 9
Monday
May 24
Part 2
"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,
CONQUER OR let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
BE CONQUERED neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which
are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this
ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor
covetous man, who is an idolator, hath any inheritance
Eph. 5:3-5 in the kingdom of Christ and of God."
All uncleanness:
"The vices of the old heathen self must be
each of them replaced by the corresponding graces of the new
man in Christ Jesus."—The
Expositor's Bible,
Vol. 6, p. 73, on
Eph. 4:25 to 5:6. The "works of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19) include
some of the sins here mentioned.
Note how Paul passes from the impurities of the inner heart
in verse 3 to their outward expression in verse 4.
Covetousness:
"Everywhere its slimy track is seen. It creates
discontent and dissension in families; it excites envy and
hatred in the poor against the rich ; it prompts the grinding
oppression of the rich toward the poor.... Many a man comes
statedly to church, and sits at the table of the Lord, while
among his possessions are hidden unlawful gains. . . . For a
goodly Babylonish garment, multitudes sacrifice the approval
of conscience and their hope of heaven. . . . The gospel light
is hindered in its course; the scorn of worldlings is kindled by
practices that give the lie to the Christian profession; and yet
the covetous professor continues to heap up treasures."—Patri-
archs
and Prophets,
page 497.
Why were the believers counseled not to talk about
the sins of their former lives? What was to take the place
of these conversations? Who would not be allowed to
enter the kingdom of Christ and of God?
THINK IT THROUGH
In what specific ways do the words on Eph. 5:3-5 re-
late to the position of the Christian amid the evil condi-
tions of our times?
"The prevailing spirit of our time is
one of infidelity and apostasy—a spirit
of avowed illumination because of a
knowledge of truth, but in reality of
the blindest presumption. Human theo-
ries are exalted and placed where God
and His law should be. Satan tempts
men and women to disobey, with the
promise that in disobedience they will
find liberty and freedom that will make
them as gods. There is seen a spirit of
opposition to the plain word of God, of
idolatrous exaltation of human wisdom
above divine revelation. Men have al-
lowed their minds to become so dark-
ened and confused by conformity to
worldly customs and influences that they
seem to have lost all power to discrimi-
nate between light and darkness, truth
and error."—"Prophets and Kings,"
page 178.
71
Walk in the Light
LESSON 9
Part 3
DON'T BE FOOLED
Eph. 5:6, 7
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
May 25
"Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because
of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children
of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them."
Vain words:
In cities like Corinth and Ephesus there were
temples dedicated to the gods maintained by the proceeds of
prostitution of priestesses, et cetera. Some philosophers argued
the reasonableness of these things since they had always been
done. Thus were people deceived "with vain words." Philosophy
of many kinds deceives men today. The Bible has much to say
about deception of all kinds. See Heb. 3:13; Gal. 6:7; 2 Tim.
3:13, 14.
"Vain words.
Literally, 'empty words,' such as words sug-
gesting that the sins enumerated (vs. 3-5) would not keep one
out of the kingdom. Heresies were already threatening the in-
fant church. Paul is warning against the deceptive manner in
which false teachers were insinuating themselves into the Chris-
tian community. For further general warnings about the decep-
tions that would divide the flock see Rom. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:18;
2 Cor. 11:3; Col. 2:8; 2 Thess. 2:3,
4."—SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
on Eph. 5:6.
"Satan looks with great satisfaction upon those who profess
the name of Christ, yet closely adhere to the delusions which
he himself has originated. His work is still to devise new delu-
sions, and his power and art in this direction continually in-
crease."—Early
Writings,
page 221.
"All who do not earnestly search the Scriptures and submit
every desire and purpose of life
tirthaThiring test, all who
do not seek. God in prayer for a knowledge of His will, will
surely wander from the right path and fall under the deception
of
Satan."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, page 192.
Where does the voluntary acceptance of deception and
delusion inevitably lead men? Rev. 20:12-14.
How are the faithful believers to be kept in the time
of deception?
"The Scriptures pointing forward to
this time [of deception at the end of
earth's history] declare that Satan will
work with all power and 'with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness.'
2 Thess. 2:9, 10. His working is plainly
revealed by the rapidly increasing
darkness, the multitudinous errors, her-
esies, and delusions of these last days.
Not only is Satan leading the world
72
captive, but his deceptions are leaven-
ing the professed churches of our Lord
Jesus Christ. The great apostasy will
develop into darkness deep as mid-
night, impenetrable as sackcloth of
hair. To God's people it will be a night
of trial. . . . But out of that night of
darkness God's light will shine."—
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 414,
415.
Walk in the Light
LESSON 9
Part 4
AS CHILDREN
OF LIGHT
Eph. 5:8, 9
THINK IT THROUGH
Wednesday
May 26
"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye
light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit
of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth)."
Paul often contrasted the past heathen life of believers with
their present Christian life. See Rom. 11:30; Col. 3:7. In Eph.
4:17-20 he speaks of their former darkened understanding and
their present enlightenment in Christ. "What communion hath
light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14) is the same contrast. As an
illustration of the Christian life, the apostle uses the word
"walk." Walk in "newness of life," "honestly," "in the Spirit,"
"in wisdom." Rom. 6:4; 13:13; Gal. 5:16; Col. 4:5. The apostle
John makes it clear that there is a precious reward to those
who walk in the light. 1 John 1:7. Our identification is clear
from our "walk," or manner of life.
"Christ commands His followers to walk in the light. Walk-
ing means moving onward, exerting ourselves, exercising our
ability, being actively engaged. Unless we exercise ourselves in
the good work to which our Saviour has called us, and feel the
importance of personal effort in this work, we shall have a
sickly, stunted religion. . . . We gain activity and strength by
walking in the light, that we may have energy to run in the
way of God's commandments. We may gain an increase of
strength at every step we advance heavenward. God will bless
His people only when they try to be a blessing to others."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, pages 436, 437.
Now that the believers were in the light of the gospel,
how were they to "walk," or what was to be their manner
of life? Explain the connection of the Spirit with the
"walk." What was the result of this connection? What do
you understand to be the meaning of "walk as children
of light"?
Is it essential that religious knowledge and practice
should flourish together? See Matt. 21:28-31. Can incon-
sistency exist in a thoroughgoing Christian? How only can
an inconsistent professing Christian obtain the happiness
of real daily experience with Christ? John 14:21, 23.
"But very few have an experimental
knowledge of the sanctifying influence
of the truths which they profess. Their
obedience and devotion have not been-
in accordance with their light and privi-
leges. They have no real sense of the
obligation resting upon them to walk
as children of the light, and not as chil-
dren of darkness. . . . It will be more
tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in
the day of judgment than for those who
have been privileged with the clear
light . . . but have not profited by it."
—"Testimonies," Vol. 2, page 488.
73
Walk in the Light
LESSON 9
Thursday
May 27
Part 5
ACCEPTABLE
TO GOD
Eph. 5:10
"Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord."
In Rom. 12:2 the apostle speaks of proving "what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." To prove God's
promises we must accept and obey.
"What is acceptable unto the Lord" becomes the intent of
obedience. By trial in their experience, in prayer, in the study
of the Word, in communion with and contemplation of the
Master, Christians are to learn "what is acceptable unto the
Lord."
"Proving. . . .
The Christian must be continually testing
the good, the right, and the true with the intent of finding out
what is pleasing to God (Rom. 12:2). The will of God as re-
vealed in His Word and in experience is the touchstone by
which the testing and approving is to be done. 'What would
Jesus do?' becomes an important question continuously in the
mind of the believer."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 5:10.
"Acceptable unto the Lord."
In Rom. 12:2 Paul speaks of
proving the "good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
The only way we can prove the good things of God is to be
sincere in accepting them. Phil. 1:10. Accepted things in this
way become more and more acceptable.
Who is the Lord of our lives? See John 13:13; Phil 3:8.
What is to be the great standard by which our conduct
is to be judged?
THINK IT THROUGH
Define the meaning of being "acceptable unto the
Lord." How does this relate to God's will? How can we
know whether or not our lives are acceptable? See Acts
24:16; 2 Cor. 1:12.
"The Pharisee and the publican rep-
resent two great classes into which
those who come to worship God are
divided. Their first two representatives
are found in the first two children that
were born into the world. Cain thought
himself righteous, and he came to God
with a thank offering only. He made no
confession of sin, and acknowledged no
need of mercy. But Abel came with the
blood that pointed to the Lamb of God.
74
He came as a sinner, confessing himself
lost; his only hope was the unmerited
love of God. The Lord had respect to
his offering, but to Cain and his offering
He had not respect. The sense of need,
the recognition of our poverty and sin,
is the very first condition of acceptance
with God. 'Blessed are the poor in
spirit
;
for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.' Matt. 5:3."—"Christ's Object
Lessons," page 152.
Part 6
THE TEST
IS LIGHT
Eph. 5:11-13
Friday
May 28
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even
to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by
the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light."
"Unfruitful works of darkness."
Paul exhorts believers to
"cast off" these works, because "the night is far spent, the day
is at hand." Rom. 13:12. The time is late, the evil works are
fruitless—this is convincing exhortation. "The end of those
things is death." Rom. 6:21. The psalmist says: "Depart from
me, ye evildoers." Ps. 119:115.
Does it take courage to reprove evil, either by word or
example? Reproof brings the work of darkness out into the
light, but the reproof is both difficult and often resented. Prov.
15:12. Note what Jesus said about reproof. John 3:20, 21.
Some do not think of the evil of their ways until reproved;
thus reproof brings light to them.
"Reproved. . . .
The hidden and dark things in a person's
life are exposed under the bright beams of spiritual light. When
Christ turned the light of truth on the hypocrisy of His day,
the sham was seen for what it really was. When deeds done
in the dark are viewed in the dark, their outlines are obscured,
their true character unrevealed."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Eph. 5:13.
What exhortation does Paul give with regard to the
believer and the former vices? Name the new attitude
to be taken to these works of darkness. Eph. 5:11; Rom.
13:12. How does throwing light on an evil practice af-
fect it?
Walk in the Light
LESSON 9
THINK IT THROUGH
What kind of approach do you think should be made
to someone or something needing reproof?
"As you go to the one you suppose
to be in error, see that you speak in a
meek and lowly spirit. . . . Avoid any-
thing in look or gesture, word or tone,
that savors of pride or self-sufficiency.
Guard yourself against a word or look
that would exalt yourself, or place your
goodness and righteousness in contrast
with their failings.... With care avoid
every appearance of anger; and though
you use plainness of speech, . . . let
there be no shadow of hate or ill will,
no bitterness. . .. Nothing but kindness
and gentleness can flow from a heart of
love. . . . Bear in mind that the success
of reproof depends greatly upon the
spirit in which it is given. Do not neglect
earnest prayer that you may possess a
lowly mind, and that angels of God
may go before you."—"Testimonies,"
Vol. 2, pages 52, 53.
75
9L
Answers: (1) followers of God; (2) Let it not be once named among you; (3) Judgment of God;
(4) light in the Lord, children of light; (5) By experience, by prayer, by study of the Word; (6)
fellowship, reprove them.
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SPIRITUAL RENEWAL THROUGH CHRIST 10
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph. 5:16.
Study Helps:
Testimonies,
Vol. 4, pp.
554-564; Vol. 5, pp. 349-354;
SDA Bible
Commentary.
The lesson opens this week with the call
to awake. The sleeper seems to be imper-
vious to some condition or influence which
has come about since he fell asleep. Failure
to awaken from spiritual sleep eventuates
in death. To the believers of Ephesus and
elsewhere the call to awake now comes.
The Christian life is not stationary, static.
It is an experience of growth. It is a battle
and a march. The call is ever to higher
ground spiritually. In the present case, time
appears to have been lost, and time must
somehow be redeemed. It must be done
with urgency "because the days are evil."
Deeper devotion, less selfishness and more
selflessness, more and ever more love for
others, more helpful favors for the neigh-
bors—these are the challenges.
Think on the Writer:
"Who can mea-
sure the results to the world of Paul's life-
work? Of all those beneficent influences
that alleviate suffering, that comfort sor-
row, that restrain evil, that uplift life from
the selfish and the sensual, and glorify it
with the hope of immortality, how much
is due to the labors of Paul and his fellow
workers?"—Education, page 70.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Awake to Opportunity
Eph. 5:14
2.
Believer Involvement
Eph. 5:15, 16
3.
Knowing God's Will
Eph. 5:17
4.
Infilling of the Spirit
Eph. 5:18
5.
Spiritual Expression
Eph. 5:19, 20
6.
Servants One to Another
Eph. 5:21
77
Spiritual Renewal Through Christ
LESSON 10
Part 1
AWAKE TO
OPPORTUNITY
Eph. 5:14
Sunday
May 30
"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and
arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."
"Wake up, 0 sleeper" (Moffatt) is a peremptory command
to
(a)
some in the church who are not truly in Christ,
(b)
the
sinner who has not yet found Him.
He has a new challenge. We are to wake up, be in earnest,
living in the light of Christ's teachings. Christ gives light and
life (John 1:4), and He is
the
Light. John 1:9.
"Give thee light. . .
The soul that turns to Christ is assured
of the healing rays of light that come from the 'Sun of Righ,
teousness' (Mal. 4:2). The plea is for the impenitent to arouse
from their lethargy, and thus to give Christ an opportunity to
do His saving work in their souls."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 5:14.
To be awake is to progress in spiritual life. To be asleep is
to backslide.
"God designs that Christians shall grow continually, grow
up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ. All who
do not grow stronger, and become more firmly rooted and
grounded in the truth, are continually retrograding."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 4, p. 556.
How does the apostle appeal to the Ephesian believers
about their spiritual condition? Eph. 5:14. What does it
mean to be spiritually asleep? 1 Cor. 15:34.
What is promised to those who awake? What is the
nature of the "light" that Christ will give? Acts 26:23.
THINK IT THROUGH
Name some ways in which believers may deny God in
their way of life while professing all the time to know
God.
"I call upon all who are resting un-
concerned in their present state of spir-
itual deadness, to arouse and arise
from the dead, and Christ will give
them light. . . . Many profess to know
God, and yet deny Him in their works.
They reckon themselves among God's
peculiar, chosen people, who have a
78
special, solemn message entrusted to
their keeping to sanctify their lives and
to give to the world, and yet the power
of the truth is scarcely felt or mani-
fested in our midst in zealous work for
God. . . . The light has not diminished,
but we walk not in its rays."—"Testi-
monies to Ministers," page 451.
Spiritual Renewal Through Christ
LESSON 10
Tuesday
June 1
Part 3
"Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what
KNOWING the will of the Lord is."
GOD'S WILL
Eph. 5:17
will of God, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fidelity to
The Christian's highest wisdom is knowing and doing the
His Father's will controlled every thought and action of Jesus.
John 5:30. He came to earth, not to do His own will, but to
do His Father's will. John 6:38. The will of God is for our
eternal life. John 6:40. God's will is not arbitrary and capri-
cious, but righteous, full of truth and mercy. His will is perfect.
Rom.
12:2.
"Will of the Lord.
To know the will of the Lord should be
the supreme aim of the believer. . . . The trans 9Lm
s
ed mind has
not only a capacity to understand the wiof God, but a di-
vinely implanted intuition which is the means of proving it
as 'good, and acceptable, and perfect' (Rom.
12:2)."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 5:17.
Ger
_wing_sa_rictification.. . . is nothing less than a daily dying
to self and daily conformity to the will of God. . . . Paul's
sanctification was a constant conflict with self. . . . His will
and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of
God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God,
however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature."—Life
Sketches,
page 237.
Name the basic concept of Christian experience men-
tioned by the apostle. Eph. 6: 6, 7. Give some of the ways
in which Jesus followed the will of God. John 4:34; Acts
10:38.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does the believer bring his experience into har-
mony with the will of God? Can this be done without
God's help? Will God help the believer to come into
union with His will? John 7:17.
"The victory is not won without much
earnestRIL
.
iyel, without the humbling of
self at every step. Our will is not to be
forced into cooperation with divine
agencies, but it must be voluntarily sub-
mitted. . . . You are not able, of your-
self, to bring your purposes and desires
80
and inclinations into submission to the
will of God; but if you are 'willing to
be made willing,' God will accomplish
the work for you, . . . 'bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedi-
ence of Christ.'"—"Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing," page
142.
To the Pillars of the Christian Home
LESSON 11
Sunday
June 6
Part 1
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as
AS UNTO THE LORD unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife,
even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the.
Eph. 5:22, 23 Saviour of the body."
The context of Christian submission is set by the general
instruction: "All of you be subject one to another." 1 Peter 5:5.
Paul finds it necessary to give some instruction on humility
among married believers. The new spiritual condition of the
Ephesians, like other aspects of their life, was in need of some
religious orientation. The status of women and children in
those times was degraded. Thus Paul gave strong and repeated
emphases on the real meaning of submission, based on the
relation between Christ and the church.
"The headship of the husband consists in his ability and re-
sponsibility to care for his wife, in the same way that Christ
cares for the church.
"The body. . . .
As Christ is the 'Saviour of the body,' the
church, so the husband should be the protector and sustainer
of his wife and family."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph.
5:22,
23.
Did submission of member to member in the Christian
church make available for witness each person's gifts, or
was it degrading? In what manner were the wives to be
submissive to their husbands? Eph. 5:23. What was the
attitude of the husband to be as he carried on as head of
the family? What does "savior of the body" mean?'
1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
THINK IT THROUGH
According to the text of this lesson, how should prob-
lems of the marriage relationship be approached? What
is the value of cooperation, counseling together, and de-
cision making in marriage?
"It is no evidence of manliness _in the
husband for him to dwell constantly
upon his position as head of the family.
... It will not make him more manly to
require his wife, the mother of his chil-
dren, to act upon his plans as if they
were infallible. The Lord has constituted
the husband the head of the wife to be
her protector; he is the house-band of
86
the family, binding the members to-
gether, even as Christ is the head of the
church and the Saviour of the mystical
body..:. Christ's authority is exercised
in wisdom, in all kindness and gentle-
ness; so let the husband exercise his
power and imitate the great Head of
the church."—"The Adventist Home,"
page 215.
To the Pillars of the Christian Home
LESSON 11
Part 2
AS CHRIST
.
ALSO LOVED
Eph. 5:24, 25
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
June 7
"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let
the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Hus-
bands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave Himself for it."
"The subjection of the church of Christ is a free subjection,
arising out of faith in His absolute wisdom and goodness, and
of love for His unspeakable love."—Ellicott's
Commentary,
on
Eph. 5:23, 24. This text does not mean that the husband's
authority is unrestricted. He is to direct and care for his wife
and family in love, not with dominating, dictatorial power. He
is not like Christ in power and wisdom, but he is to practice
Christ's loving care.
The husband's authority must not oppose the wife's fidelity
to her God.
"A true husband never utters rude commands. His love will
find expression in a variety of ways. It will be given in words
of understanding and affection. The husband will properly pro-
vide for the wife's temporal support (1 Tim. 5:8) ; he will do
everything possible to assure her happiness (1 Cor. 7:33) ; he
will give her every honor (1 Peter
3:7)."—SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
on Eph.
5:25.
"Let each give love rather than exact it. Cultivate that
which is noblest in yourselves, and be quick to recognize the
good qualities in each other. . . . Sympathy and respect en-
courage the striving after excellence, and love itself increases
as it stimulates to nobler aims.
"Neither the husband nor the wife should merge his or her
individuality in that of the other. . . .
"Do not try to compel each other to yield to your wishes.
You cannot do this and retain each other's
love."—The Min-
istry of Healing,
page 361.
How is the submissiveness of wives described in Eph.
5:24?
How is the nature of the love husbands should have
for their wives described in verse 25?
When differences arise between husband and wife,
when problems come, what approach should be made
toward solutions?
"Men and women can reach God's
ideal for them if they will take Christ
as their helper. What human wisdom
cannot do, His grace will accomplish for
those who give themselves to Him in
loving trust. His providence can unite
hearts in bonds that are of heavenly ori-
gin. Love will not be a mere exchange
of soft and flattering words. The loom
of heaven weaves with warp and woof
finer, yet more firm, than can be
woven by the looms of earth. The result
is not a tissue fabric, but a texture that
will bear wear and test and trial. Heart
will be bound to heart in the golden
bonds of a love that is enduring."—"The
Ministry of Healing," page 362.
87
To the Pillars of the Christian Home
LESSON 11
Tuesday
June 8
Part 3
"Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for
LOVE EXEMPLIFIED it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself
a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
Eph. 5:25-27 thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
An example of marital devotion to keep in mind in the
study of this lesson is that of Joseph in his relations with Mary
the mother of Jesus. Matt. 1:19, 20; 2:13, 22; Luke 2:43-45.
"Gave Himself.
The supreme test of love is whether it is
prepared to forgo happiness in order that the other might have
it. In this respect the husband is to imitate Christ, giving up
personal pleasures and comforts to obtain his wife's happiness,
standing by her side in the hour of sickness. Christ gave Himself
for the church because she was in desperate need; He did it
to save her. Likewise the husband will give himself for the
salvation of his wife, ministering to her spiritual needs, and
she to his, in a spirit of mutual love."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Eph. 5:25.
"As life with its burden of perplexity and care meets the
newly wedded pair, the romance with which imagination so
often invests marriage disappears. . . . This is a most critical
period in their experience. . . . Often they discern in each other
unsuspected weaknesses and defects. . . . Let all seek to discover
the excellencies rather than the defects. Often it is our own
attitude, the atmosphere that surrounds ourselves, which deter-
mines what will be revealed to us in another. There are many
who regard the expression of love as a weakness, and they
maintain a reserve that repels others. . . . Love cannot long
exist without expression. Let not the heart of one connected with
you starve for the want of kindness and sympathy."—The
Min-
istry of Healing,
page 360.
By comparison with Christ's purpose for the church,
what kind of homes should Christians have? Eph. 5:27, 28.
THINK IT THROUGH
How should the finances of the married couple be
handled? Should little differences in opinion be allowed
to become greater?
"You must help each other. Do not
look upon it as a virtue to hold fast the
purse strings, refusing to give your
wife money.
"You should allow your wife a cer-
tain sum weekly and should let her do
88
what she pleases with this money. You
have not given her opportunity to ex-
ercise her tact or her taste because you
have not a proper realization of the
position that a wife should occupy."—
"The Adventist Home," page 378.
To the Pillars of the Christian Home
LESSON 11
Wednesday
June
9
Part 4
"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.
AS HIS OWN BODY He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever
yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth
it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of
Eph. 5:28-30 His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
The unity in the marriage bond as expressed here dispels the
errors of domination, inferiority, subjection, et cetera. It is
the closest and most blessed unity known among men.
"The Lord Jesus has not been correctly represented in His
relation to the church by many husbands in their relation to
their wives, for they do not keep the way of the Lord. They
declare that their wives must be subject to them in everything.
But it was not the design of God that the husband should have
control, as head of the house, when he himself does not submit
to Christ. He must be under the rule of Christ that he may
represent the relation of Christ to the church. If he is a coarse,
rough, boisterous, egotistical, harsh, and overbearing man, let
him never utter the word that the husband is the head of the
wife, and that she must submit to him in everything; for he
is not the Lord, he is not the husband in the true significance
of the term."—The
Adventist Home,
page 117.
In what words is supreme self-love condemned? Eph.
5:28.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what way does true marital love resemble the love
of Christ for the church? Verse 29.
Are you all that a married companion should be? Is
it possible to cultivate before marriage the kind of char-
acter that would make for a happy marriage companion-
ship?
"Instead of sinking into a mere house-
hold drudge, let the wife and mother
take time to read, to keep herself well
informed, to be a companion to her
husband. . . . Let
,
her use wisely the op-
portunities now hers to influence her
dear ones for the higher life. Let her
take time to make the dear Saviour a
daily Companion and familiar Friend."
"The wife must not consider herself
a doll, to be tended, but a woman; one
to put her shoulder under real, not imag-
inary, burdens, and live an understand-
ing, thoughtful life, considering that
there are other things to be thought of
than herself."—"The Adventist Home,"
pages 110,
111.
89
To the Pillars of the Christian Home
LESSON 11
Thursday
June 10
Part 5
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and
JOINED TOGETHER mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two
BY GOD shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak
Eph. 5:31, 32 concerning Christ and the church."
The same quotation from Gen. 2:24 is found in Matt. 19:5 ;
Mark 10:7, 8. Here is the basis of the beneficial institution of
marriage, from which come the home, the family, and society.
"A great mystery. . . .
Paul is saying that the revealed mys-
tery of the union of husband and wife is indeed a great and
profound truth, but that he is applying it to the union of Christ
and His church. While human marriage can be understood, the
mystic union of Christ and believer, though a revealed truth,
is still beyond our complete apprehension; we still 'see through
a glass, darkly' (1 Cor.
13:12)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Eph. 5:31, 32.
How close is the union of husband and wife said to
be? Eph. 5:31. In what sense can the husband be "the
head of the wife" (Eph. 5:23) and yet have unity and
happiness in marriage? 1 John 3:23, last part.
THINK IT THROUGH
When two are contemplating marriage, what respon-
sibilities are involved?
"The mission of the home extends
beyond its own members. The Christian
home is to be an object lesson, illustrat-
ing the excellence of the true principles
of life. . . . As the youth go out from
such a home, the lessons they have
learned are imparted. Nobler principles
of life are introduced into other house-
holds, and an uplifting influence works
in the community.
"The home in which the members are
90
polite, courteous Christians exerts a
far-reaching influence for good. Other
families will mark the results attained
by such a home, and will follow t•he
example set. . . . Correct habits are
formed. There is a careful recognition
of the rights of others. The faith that
works by love and purifies the soul
stands at the helm, presiding over the
whole household."—"The Adventist
Home," page 31.
To the Pillars of the Christian Home
LESSON 11
Friday
June 11
Part 6
"Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so
FINAL APPEAL love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she
Eph. 5:33 reverence her husband."
The primary emphasis in the whole of Paul's comments in
Ephesians 5 is on Christ's redeeming love for the church. If be-
lievers really understood the depth of that love, there would be
fewer marital problems today. Can a husband love Christ su-
premely and be unkind to his wife and children? Can a wife
understand Christ's love and fail in wifely loyalties in her home?
Both man and woman were created by and for God, and in
Christ they are still His own. Col. 1:16, 17. In marriage they
should act toward each other as Christ's redeemed children.
"Reverence. . . .
Paul does not mean cringing fear; that
would be out of keeping with the counsel he has been giving.
This honor and respect that is urged in no way eliminates love
on the part of the wife. It means that God's natural order in
the family should not be subverted, and that the special func-
tion of leadership that God has laid upon the husband should
be regarded. . . . Where there is mutual love and respect, ques-
tions of domination or alienation will not arise."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Eph. 5:33.
The home of Amram and Jochebed is an example of the
influence of the home on the life of a great man—Moses. "She
[Jochebed] faithfully improved her opportunity to educate her
child for God. . . . The whole future life of Moses, the great
mission which he fulfilled . . . , testifies to the importance of
the work of the Christian mother. There is no other work that
can equal
this."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 243, 244.
How much should a husband love his wife? Should we
expect this to be reciprocated by the wife? Eph. 5:25, 33.
To what extent do you think right parental attitudes
affect the home?
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there any guarantee that a Christian home always
produces good children, or a bad home bad children?
Are the chances vastly in favor of the good home produc-
ing good children?
"There is no greater curse upon
households than to allow the youth to
have their own way. When parents re-
gard every wish of their children and
indulge them in what they know is not
for their good, the children soon lose
all respect for their parents, all regard
for the authority of God or man, and
are led captive at the will of Satan. The
influence of an ill-regulated family is
widespread and disastrous to all so-
ciety. It accumulates in a tide of evil
that affects families, communities, and
governments."—"Patriarchs and Proph-
ets," page 579.
91
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Answers: (1) head of the wife, Christ is the head of the church; (2) A; (3) True; (4) God hath
joined, put asunder; (5) They are the same flesh; (6) Father and mother.
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EXCELLENCE IN ENDEAVOR THROUGH
CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES
12
"Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise."
Eph. 6:2.
Study Helps:
Messages to Young People,
pages 325-338;
The Adventist Home,
pages
211-215, 220-228, 231-243;
Steps to Christ,
chapter, "The Work and the Life";
SDA
Bible Commentary.
This week we study valuable instruction
to children and parents. Honor, discipline,
and love are the basis of happy, disciplined
lives. Spiritual renewal will come to our
experience as we rethink these lessons, espe-
cially as we see their importance to our
homes and our own times.
Think on the Writer:
"Amid the con-
stant storm of opposition, the clamor of
enemies, and the desertion of friends, the
intrepid apostle at times almost lost heart.
But he looked back to Calvary, and with
new ardor pressed on to spread the knowl-
edge of the Crucified. . . . He sought no
discharge from the warfare till he should
lay off his armor at the feet of his Re-
deemer."—Ellen G. White,
Sketches From
the Life of Paul,
page 148.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Message to Children
Eph. 6:1, 2
2.
Reward of Obedience
Eph. 6:3
3.
To Fathers About Children
Eph. 6:4
4.
Instruction for Slaves
Eph. 6:5-7
5.
Reward of the Worker
Eph. 6:8
6.
Instruction to Masters
Eph. 6:9
93
Excellence in Endeavor
LESSON 12
Part 1
MESSAGE TO
CHILDREN
Eph. 6:1, 2
THINK IT THROUGH
Sunday
June 13
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is
right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first
commandment with promise."
One of the main principles of the theocracy of Israel was
the education of 'the children in the religion of the living God.
The underlying concept of that education was obedience to
God and to parents. One of the Ten Commandments is specific.
Ex. 20:12.
Parents in Israel were required to teach their children "dili-
gently" the "commandments, the statutes, and the judgments."
See Deut. 6:1, 7.
"The obligation resting upon children to honor their par-
ents is of lifelong duration. If the parents are feeble and old,
the affection and attention of the children should be bestowed
in proportion to the need of father and mother. . . .
"Our obligation to our parents never ceases. Our love for
them, and theirs for us, is not measured by years or distance,
and our responsibility can never be set aside."—The
Adventist
Home,
page 360.
"Young as he was when brought to minister in the taber-
nacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service
of God, according to his capacity. . . . His religion was carried
into every duty of life. He regarded himself as God's servant,
and his work as God's
work."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
573.
How is the first duty of children described, and for
what reason? Eph. 6:1; Ex. 20:12.
What connection often exists between home training
and the unrest among the youth of today? Is the early
home training of little children important in our times?
"This is the first commandment with
promise. It is binding upon childhood
and youth, upon the middle-aged and
the aged. There is no period in life
when children are excused from honor-
ing their parents. This solemn obliga-
tion is binding upon every son and
daughter, and is one of the conditions
to their prolonging their lives upon the
94
land which the Lord will give the faith-
ful. This is not a subject unworthy of
notice, but a matter of vital importance.
The promise is upon condition of obe-
dience. If you obey you shall live long
in the land which the Lord your God
gives you. If you disobey you shall not
prolong your life in that land."—"Testi-
monies," Vol. 2, pp. 80, 81.
Excellence in Endeavor
LESSON 12
Part 2
REWARD OF
OBEDIENCE
Eph. 6:3
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
June 14
"That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live
long on the earth."
Obedience to God's commandments brings rich blessings. God
promised blessings to Israel if they would diligently observe
His commandments. Deut. 28:1-14.
"Well with thee. . . .
Children are happier when they have
learned obedience to parents, and all are happier when they
have learned obedience to God.
"Live long. . . .
A life that gains the blessing of God on this
earth has promise of life everlasting.
"It is well recognized that a wholesome family life, of which
obedience is a part, tends to the well-being of society and of
nations. Obedience to Christian parents means sobriety, indus-
try, self-control, and all those other virtues that bring both
physical and spiritual health. Paul is stating a natural law as
well as announcing special blessings of God upon the obedient.
The vices that shorten life will not be found in the Christian
home."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 6:3.
"It was their conscientious observance of the commands of
Holy Scripture, that in the days of Jeremiah's ministry brought
to Daniel and his fellows opportunities to exalt the true God
before the nations of earth. The instruction these Hebrew
children had received in the homes of their parents, made them
strong in faith and constant in their service of the living God."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 428.
"Their [Israel's] obedience to the laws of God would make
them marvels of prosperity before the nations of the world.
. . . If obedient, they would be preserved from the diseases that
afflicted other nations and would be blessed with vigor of in-
tellect. The glory of God, His majesty and power, were to be
revealed in all their prosperity. . . . God furnished them with
every facility for becoming the greatest nation on the earth."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 222.
What is the main lesson in our text today? Compare
Matt. 6:33; Deut. 4:40; 5:16. Have we all fully experi-
enced the blessing of obedience?
Have our own young people realized that not to obey
their parents is to violate God's law? Do they realize
that in the judgment they will have to give account for
disobedience to their parents?
"Children who dishonor and disobey
their parents, and disregard their ad-
vice and instruction, can have no part
in the earth made new. The purified
new earth will be no place for the
rebellious, the disobedient, the ungrate-
ful, son or daughter
"These plain teachings they must
meet in the judgment. Yet there is not
one young man or young woman in
twenty professing the present truth who
heeds these Bible teachings."—"Testi-
monies," Vol. 1, pp. 497, 498.
95
Excellence in Endeavor
LESSON 12
Tuesday
June 15
Part 3
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:
TO FATHERS but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the
ABOUT CHILDREN Lord."
Eph. 6:4
Parents are reminded of two duties to their children, one a
negative and the other a positive. Training children is a task
that is neither easily nor rapidly done. Parents must remember
that patience is a great part of teaching. Vexatious commands,
incessant teasing, hasty blame and reproof, displays of temper
—these are all provocation to children. Rather, show children
and young people appreciation and encouragement for the things
they have done right.
Parents should remember that example carries far greater
weight with children and young people than does advice. Par-
ents' counsel should agree with their own way of life.
"Provoke not. . . .
The parallel passage in Colossians gives
the reason for this admonition . . . (Col. 3:21). The present
low ebb of parental authority sometimes springs from unjust,
irritating, or even brutal demands made by parents on children.
. . . Another prolific cause of resentment . . . is the capricious,
inconsistent demands of some parents.. . .
"Admonition. . . .
Admonition encourages a child when he
is in the right and warns him when he is in the wrong."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 6:4.
"Parents should be much at home. By precept and example
they should teach their children the love and the fear of God;
teach them to be intelligent, social, affectionate; to cultivate
habits of industry, economy, and self-denial. By giving their
children love, sympathy, and encouragement at home, parents
may provide for them a safe and welcome retreat from many
of the world's temptations."—The
Adventist Home,
page 185.
Tell the two points about which counsel is given. Enu-
merate the suggestions in the above quotations for giving
direction to children and youth. What other elements be-
sides patience are there in the teaching process? Define
provocation in your own terms.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can parents of children and youth benefit from
this lesson? What responsibility for the youth of the
church do church members who are not parents have?
"Happy are the parents whose lives
are a true reflection of the divine, so
that the promises and commands of
God awaken in the child gratitude and
reverence; the parents whose tender-
ness and justice and long-suffering in-
terpret to the child the love and justice
96
and long-suffering of God, and who by
teaching the child to love and trust and
obey them, are teaching him to love
and trust and obey his Father in
heaven."—"Prophets and Kings," page
245.
Excellence in Endeavor
LESSON 12
Wednesday
June 16
Part 4
"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters
INSTRUCTION according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in single-
FOR SLAVES ness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as
menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will
of God from the heart; with goodwill doing service, as
Eph. 6:5-7 to the Lord, and not to men."
Paul's teaching of the gospel was not to start a revolution
against the evil of slavery, but an evolution in moral thinking
was begun which eventually broke the chains of human bond-
age. Christian concepts—that "God is no respecter of persons,"
and that "all nations of men" were made of one blood (Acts
10:34; 17:27)—were incompatible with belief in slavery. As
masters and slaves worshiped the same God (Eph. 4:6), in the
same church, and recognized Jesus as their Lord (verse 5), all
must have been convinced of the incongruity of the situation
socially and spiritually.
The reference to diligence in endeavor, the spirit of the
worker, and instruction to the masters, is relevant and useful
to both employees and employers of our times.
"The sense of Christ's Lordship ensures
honesty in work.
So
the apostle continues: 'Not with
eyeservice,
as
menpleasers.'
. . .
It is the common fault and temptation of servants in all
degrees to observe the master's eye, and to work busily or
slackly as they are watched or not. Such workmen act as they
do because they look to men and not to God. Their work is
without conscience and self-respect. The visible master says
`Well done !' But there is another Master looking on who says
`Ill done!' . . . In His book of accounts there is a stern reckon-
ing in store for deceitful dealers and the makers-up of unsound
goods, in whatever handicraft or headcraft they are engaged."
—G. G. Findlay,
Epistle to the Ephesians,
pages 390, 391.
What three qualities were to characterize the obedi-
ence of servants? What is meant by "eyeservice, as men-
pleasers"? See Matt. 23:5. Does this counsel apply only
to slaves in Roman times, or to all men in all ages? What
is the predominating feature that should characterize our
Christian service? ("To the Lord," Eph. 6:7. Compare Eph.
5:22.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Would there be some revolution in social relationships
today if all Christians would practice fully the gospel
principles in our text? Would it open doors to new hearts
for the message of a soon-coming Saviour? What effect
would come to employee-employer relations?
"Christianity makes a strong bond of by the same Spirit; and they are made
union between master and slave, king one in Christ Jesus."—"The Acts of the
and subject. . . . They have been Apostles," page 460.
washed in the same blood, quickened
97
Excellence in Endeavor
LESSON 12
Part 5
REWARD OF
THE WORKER
Eph. 6:8
Thursday
June 17
"Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth,
the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond
or free."
The apostle now mentions the judgment, putting all men
on the same level. See 2 Cor. 5:10. In the Roman world there
were sharp differences in social status, but in the body of Christ
this was not to be so. 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27, 28; Col. 3:11. A
common human aspiration has been reward for service, but the
world often bestows on drudgery little or no reward. Now
Paul assures the slave of reward for the good deeds, if not in
this world, in the next. To rob service wholly of reward lowers
work into the desperation of forced drudgery. Although rewards
are not really earned, yet God pictures at least some of His
gifts as rewards. Rev. 22:12. This fact must have brought great
joy to the slave.
"Knowing.
The slave may have the assurance that his life
and deeds are observed by Providence, and that the rewards
that come to other men will be his also. The great spiritual cer-
tainties are the heritage of
all
believers."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Eph. 6:8.
The slave, as a member of the church, gets knowledge and
understanding of life never before available to him. This knowl-
edge will lead him to faith (Rom. 10:17), and faith to victory.
"Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the per-
formance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily work
will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual look-
ing unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to every-
thing that is undertaken. Thus through the right use of our
talents, we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the higher
world."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 360.
"But when the Master receives the talents, He approves and
rewards the workers as though the merit were all their own.
His countenance is full of joy and satisfaction. . . . For every
service and every sacrifice He requites them, not because it is
a debt He owes, but because His heart is overflowing with love
and tenderness."—Ibid., p. 361.
What great truth is now announced to the slave? On
what new level of society did this status place him? In
what sense are "bond" and "free" on the same level?
See Acts 17:26.
THINK IT THROUGH
Besides the rewards and benefits from endeavor men-
tioned in the notes and texts of this lesson, what others
have you experienced? Is there a connection between
one's daily work and his religion?
98
Excellence in Endeavor
LESSON 12
Friday
June 18
Part 6
"And, ye masters, do the same things unto them,
INSTRUCTION forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also
TO MASTERS is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with
Eph. 6:9 Him."
In the Christian community human rights vitally concern
the relationships between members and groups. The high and
low, the rich and poor, are all brothers in Chiist. Even in
servant-and-master relationships in Roman days the spirit of
brotherhood was enjoined on all. The golden rule (Matt. 7:12)
is to be put into practice. Every action is to take into account
that both master and slave have the same Lord in heaven. At
the bar of judgment He will ask both "What was done?" and
"Who did it?" Then both good and bad deeds will meet their
reward regardless of the status of the persons concerned. This
kind of thinking and practice among masters and slaves put
things entirely in a new light, and the prevailing social systems
began to change.
"Forbearing threatening.
Special instruction had been given
the Hebrews on the treatment of servants (Lev. 25:39-43; Deut.
15:12-14; Jer. 34:14), and even more was expected of Chris-
tians, who had a fuller revelation of God in Christ Jesus as
regards human relationships. Threatening implies fear and
force, whereas the way of the gospel is the way of love. Threat-
ening is usually the beginning of cruelty and must be entirely
eliminated. It is a tremendous challenge to any administrator
to exercise his authority in love rather than through power and
force. It does not mean that he should not expect just service,
but his warnings and discipline must be exercised with self-
control and Christian charity. ReTect for the personalities of
others is one of the first evidences'of the converted life."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 6:9.
What were the instructions the apostle had for the
masters? Eph. 6:9. What were the masters to keep in
mind as they dealt with the slaves? Col. 4:1.
THINK IT THROUGH
Was it easy for Roman slave owners to practice these
Christian principles? Did slaves and masters need divine
grace in these matters as we do today?
"Those who are the partakers of the will do all they can to make the world
grace of Christ will
be ready to make
better for their stay in it. This spirit is
any sacrifice, that others for whom He the sure outgrowth of a soul truly con-
died may share the heavenly gift. They verted."—"Steps to Christ," page 78.
99
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doeth, receive of the Lord; (6) Your Master also is in heaven.
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BE STRONG IN THE LORD
13
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil." Eph. 6:11.
Study Helps:
Prophets and Kings,
pages
171-176;
The Great Controversy,
pages
613-634;
SDA Bible Commentary.
In the Epistle to the Ephesians we have
studied some of the most profound truths
expounded by the apostle Paul. These prin-
ciples have affected the thinking of millions
around the world for almost 2,000 years.
The course of human history has under-
gone a radical change because of the gos-
pel of Jesus Christ, and much credit is due
to the apostle Paul as the chief human
exponent of the Christian way.
In the lesson this week we study the
apostle's final exhortation to the believers.
The text is a Biblical classic; its profound
significance for the believer in his struggle
day by day has been of great inspiration
and consolation to large numbers of Chris-
tians in all ages.
Think on the Writer:
"No faithful hand
recorded for the generations to come, the
last scenes in the life of this holy man; but
inspiration has preserved for us his dying
testimony. Like a trumpet peal has his
voice rung out through all the ages, nerv-
ing with his own courage thousands of wit-
nesses for Christ, and wakening in thou-
sands of sorrow-stricken hearts the echo of
his own triumphant joy."—Ellen G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 334.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Be Strong in His Might
Eph. 6:10, 11
2.
Fight Against the Powers of
Darkness
Eph. 6:12
3.
The Whole Armor
Eph. 6:13
4.
Belt, Breastplate, Shoes
Eph. 6:14, 15
5.
Shield, Helmet, Sword
Eph. 6:16, 17
6.
Victory Through Prayer
Eph. 6:18-24
101
Part 1
BE STRONG
IN HIS MIGHT
Eph. 6:10, 11
Sunday
June 20
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in
the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil."
Be Strong in the Lord
LESSON 13
Victory goes to the strong. Spiritual survival is a question
of strong faith in Christ. The believers will be strong only in
the might of God. Phil. 4:13. Paul always has confidence in the
power of God (Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 6:4, 7), and thus he exhorts,
"Be strong in the Lord." While believing in the power of God
to save, the Christian must ever remember that there is an
enemy to watch. 1 Peter 5:8. God always has a means for the
salvation of the just, and it is the armor of God.
Ways by which the Christian can be strong in the Lord:
"I saw that the strength of the children of God is in their
humility. When they are little in their own eyes, Jesus will be
to them their strength and their righteousness, and God will
prosper their
labors."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 307.
"God has strength and wisdom in store for those who seek
for it earnestly, in faith believing."—Ibid., p. 108.
"Faith in Christ's power will impart strength to sustain,
and light to guide."—Ibid., Vol. 5, p. 42.
"Remember that prayer is the source of your strength."—
Ibid.,
Vol. 7, p. 2437
"None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths
of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 593, 594.
"If the Word of God were appreciated as it should be, both
young and old would possess an inward rectitude, a strength
of principle, that would enable them to resist temptation."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 319.
Repeat the two exhortations given by the apostle. How
does the believer become "strong in the Lord"? 2 Tim.
2:1; 1 Cor. 16:13. What is the reason for putting on the
"armor of God"? 1 Peter 5:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
Through what means are the believers to face the
snares of Satan?
Some of the snares of Satan in our
time are found in vague and fanciful
interpretations of Scripture. Ellen
G.
White discusses many of these danger-
ous ideas in a chapter entitled "Snares
of Satan" in "The Great Controversy,"
pages 518-530. The following excerpts
give some idea of the content of the
chapter (numbers in parentheses indi-
102
cate the pages): "To many, scientific
research has become a curse" (522). "To
keep the minds of
men
searching and
conjecturing in regard to that which
God has not made known" (523). "The
fast-spreading belief that Satan has no
existence as a personal being" (524).
"Worldly wisdom teaches that prayer
is not essential" (525).
Part 2
FIGHT AGAINST
THE POWERS
OF DARKNESS
Eph. 6:12
THINK IT THROUGH
Monday
June 21
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places."
With his keen spiritual perception, the apostle saw troublous
times coming, not only for the individual but also for the
church. There is a fight to be carried on by the believer. 2 Tim.
4:7. There is constant enmity against the church. Rev. 12:17.
The enemy stalks as prey those who fear God. 1 Peter 5:8.
"Resist" is the watchword for the believer. 1 Peter 5:9.
"In the Word of God are represented two contending parties
that influence and control human agencies in our world. Con-
stantly these parties are working with every human being. Those
who are under God's control and who are influenced by the
heavenly angels, will be able to discern the crafty workings of
the unseen powers of darkness. . . . They must give no place
whatever to Satan and his angels.
"But unless we are constantly on guard, we shall be over-
come by the enemy. Although a solemn revelation of God's will
concerning us has been revealed to all, yet a knowledge of His
will does not set aside the necessity of offering earnest suppli-
cations to Him for help, and of diligently seeking to cooperate
with Him in answering the prayers offered."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1119.
"The prayer of Asa is one that every Christian believer may
fittingly offer. . . . In life's conflict we must meet evil agencies
that have arrayed themselves against the right: Our hope is not
in man, but in the living God. With full assurance of faith we
may expect that He will unite His omnipotence with the efforts
of human instrumentalities, for the glory of His name. . . . We
may gain the victory over every
foe."—Prophets and Kings,
page 111.
What should be the attitude of the Christian toward
the forces of evil? Eph. 6:14; 1 Cor. 9:26. What is your
understanding of the phrase "spiritual wickedness in high
places"?
In what ways do you think the believer must resist
evil? 1 Tim. 6:12.
Be Strong in the Lord
LESSON 13
"He [Satan] is now preparing for his
last campaign against the church. All
who seek to follow Jesus will be
brought into conflict with this relentless
foe. The more nearly the Christian imi-
tates the divine Pattern, the more surely
will he make himself a mark for the
attacks of Satan. . . .
"Christ will give strength to all who
seek it. No man without his own con-
sent can be overcome by Satan."—"The
Great Controversy," page 510.
103
Part 3
THE WHOLE ARMOR
Eph. 6:13
THINK IT THROUGH
Tuesday
June 22
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand."
In the evil day.
Does this imply a specific future day? In
Eph. 5:16 Paul says, "because the days are evil." So his genera-
tion was evil. This was the thought of Jesus: "This is your
hour, and the power of darkness." In our world every day is
an evil day in the sense that the Satanic hosts are always active.
The whole armor.
God's armor must not be worn in part.
David had less than a full armor when he fell into sin. See
2 Samuel 11; 12. Jacob had only partial armor when he deceived
Isaac his father. Genesis 27. Peter was not fully armored when
he denied his Lord. Matt. 26:69-75.
The Christian is vulnerable at many spots, and often that
characteristic he thinks is his strongest turns out, under tempta-
tion, to be his weakest. As a chain is no stronger than its weak-
est link, so the Christian is no stronger than his weakest ele-
ment of character. In view of the variety of foes that must be
met and the various weaknesses of the flesh, nothing less than
the entire armor will suffice.
"Having done all. . . .
Trusting in God never deprives one
of the privilege of exerting his own God-given powers to the
utmost. Although it is true that the battle will never be won
without God's armor and power, neither will it be won without
the cooperation of the human with the divine." [See
Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 142.]
"It is the armor of God, because the possession of it is the
direct result of the presence of God within. Where the Spirit
of God inhabits our nature, His presence ensures our possession
of this armor of proof.
"It is the armor of God because Jesus Christ, the God-man,
was clothed in it, and in it defeated the foe. At any rate, we
may learn what this armor is, and how best to use it, by study-
ing the use Christ made of
it."—Speaker's Bible,
edited by
James Hastings, on Eph. 6:13, pages 403, 404.
What danger is involved if the believer is clothed in
only a part of the, armor? What do the following mean
to you: "withstand," "evil day," and "having done all, to
stand"? See Luke 1:17, last part; 1 Tim. 6:12.
How long will the Christian be involved in the war-
fare? How only will the warfare be carried on success-
fully?
Be Strong in the Lord
LESSON 13
"God's servants are to put on every
piece of the Christian armor. We are
not wrestling simply with human foes.
God calls upon every Christian to enter
the warfare and fight under His leader-
ship, depending for success on the grace
104
and help of Heaven. ... Never are we
to yield to Satan's attacks. . . . In this
warfare there is no release. . . . Those
who are in Christ's service must watch
every outpost."—"Testimonies," Vol. 9,
pp. 219, 220.
Be Strong in the Lord
LESSON 13
Part 4
BELT, BREAST-
PLATE, SHOES
Eph. 6:14, 15
Wednesday
June 23
"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with
truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace."
"Truth. . . .
The truth spoken of here is more than personal
honesty; it is the truth of God as it is lodged in the heart, ap-
propriated, and acted upon....
"Righteousness.
Some apply this to the righteousness of
Christ that covers the child of God; others, to the Christian's
personal loyalty to principle. Both are essential for successful
warfare... .
"Gospel of peace. . .
In this verse . . . the idea seems to be
that of steadfastness in the Christian warfare. Hence the gospel,
in this instance, is not so much the gospel to be proclaimed, but
the gospel that has found lodgment in the heart of the Chris-
tian. . . . He stands firm on the knowledge of Christ incarnate,
crucified, risen, ascended—the heart of the gospel, and the
reason for peace."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 6:14, 15.
All of these figures used to define the Christian's armor are
drawn from Roman soldiers' equipment, probably in the order
in which the warrior put them on. In another place it is "the
armor of light"; it all means to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ"
and to live as He lived.
Does the warrior language of our lesson teach salva-
tion by works? Does a peaceful Christian nevertheless
have to fight evil? See James 4:7.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is the witness for truth relevant to man's problems
today? How does truth become the Christian's personal
possession?
"Truth has a power to elevate the
receiver. If Bible truth exerts its sanc-
tifying influence upon the heart and
character, it will make believers more
intelligent."—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, p.
545.
"The truth in the heart is a wellspring
of life. It refreshes the weary and re-
strains vile thought and utterance."—
"Ibid.," Vol. 5, p. 601.
"The truth of God is an anchor."—
"Ibid.," Vol. 2, p. 304.
"The truth is designed to elevate the
receiver, to refine his taste and sanc-
tify his judgment. There should be a
continual effort to imitate the society
we expect soon to join
;
namely, angels
of God who have never fallen by sin."
—"Ibid.," Vol. 1, p. 216.
105
Part 5
SHIELD, HELMET,
SWORD
Eph. 6:16, 17
THINK IT THROUGH
Thursday
June 24
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the Word of God."
The Roman shield protected the whole body against the
enemy's arrows, sometimes heated or alight. Compare Ps. 120:4.
"Faith. . . .
This faith is active, like the shield that is raised
to catch the fiery darts; it is also passive in that it trusts in
God for deliverance. Under the impact of temptation of any
kind it is faith that restores confidence and enables one to
carry on the battle. . . .
"Fiery darts.
Ancient arrows sometimes had combustible ma-
terials, such as tow and pitch, ignited on the head of the shaft
so as to set fire to whatever they hit. This is an appropriate
image for the fiery temptations that come to the child of God.
They may take the form of fear, discouragement, impatience,
unholy thoughts, envy, anger, or any other vice. But faith in
God, held aloft like a shield, catches them, snuffs out the flame,
and makes them fall harmless to the ground."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Eph. 6:16.
"Paul knew that the higher Christian attainments can be
reached only through much prayer and constant watchfulness,
and this he tried to instill into their minds. But he knew also
that in Christ crucified they were offered power sufficient to
convert the soul and divinely adapted to enable them to resist
all temptations to
evil."—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 307.
Name and describe the three weapons of Christian
victory mentioned in the lesson. Quote some New Testa-
ment words showing that we are "kept [guarded] by the
power of God through faith." 1 Peter 1:5.
Why do you think Paul mentions only one weapon of
attack (the sword) among numerous pieces of defensive
armor? Is this to encourage Christians to adopt a stand
for truth, and, when the attacks of the enemy are over, to
be found still standing for God and truth?
Be Strong in the Lord
LESSON 13
"Many who should stand firm for
righteousness and truth have mani-
fested weakness and indecision. . . .
Those who fail to grow in grace, not
seeking to reach the highest standard
in divine attainments, will be overcome.
"This world is to the Christian a land
of strangers and enemies. Unless he
106
shall take for his defense the divine
panoply and wield the sword of the
Spirit he will become the prey of the
powers of darkness. The faith of all will
be tested. All will be tried as gold is
tried in the fire."—"Testimonies," Vol.
5, p. 104.
Be Strong in the Lord
LESSON 13
Friday
June 25
Part 6
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in
VICTORY the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
THROUGH and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance
PRAYER may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly,
to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am
an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly,
as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs,
and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful
minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that
ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort
your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be
with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Eph. 6:18-24 Amen."
"Praying always" is linked with "all perseverance" and
means effort or exertion in prayer. This is the case in all areas
of spiritual life.
"For all saints" is all-inclusive. We should pray for those
we naturally like and those we may not like.
"And for me" indicates Paul's conscious need for both words
and courage. "Utterance" means not only words but wisdom
in choosing and using them. Compare 1 Cor. 12:8, where Paul
states that the Spirit gives "the word of wisdom."
"Prayer is not another weapon; rather, it is the spirit, the
manner, in which the whole armor is to be worn and the battle
fought. Paul is here urging it as a perpetual state of mind, a
continuous attitude of communion with God (see Luke 18:1;
Phil. 4:6; Heb. 4:16). . . .
"Perseverance in prayer is not for the purpose, by sheer
persistence, of making God change His mind, in some such
fashion as a begging child finally extracts what he wants from
an unwilling parent. Perseverance in prayer, however, clearly
indicates on the part of the suppliant a state of mind that
gives God an opportunity to do things He could not safely do
for him otherwise."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 6:18.
Is it natural and easy to pray unceasingly, or do we
need the Holy Spirit's help in this?
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the main characteristics of acceptable
prayer? See Matt. 7:7; James 1:6; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2.
"Pray
in faith. And be sure to bring
faith weaken, for the blessings re-
your lives into harmony with your peti-
ceived are proportionate to the faith
tions, that you may receive the bless-
exercised. . . . Pray, believe, rejoice."
ings for which you pray. Let not your —"Testimonies," Vol. 7, p. 274.
107
BOL
Answers: (1) whole armor, stand, wiles; (2) Real; (3) Whole armor; (4, 5) A. truth, B. righteous-
ness, C. gospel of peace, D. faith, E. salvation, F. Word of God; (6) Praying always.
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Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
THE NEW AFRO-MIDEAST DIVISION
A Realignment of Nations
The Afro-Mideast Division, recipient of the offering overflow
of the second quarter, 1971, was formed at the time of the General
Conference Session held in Atlantic City in June, 1970. It includes
the territory of the former Middle East Division, the Ethiopian
Union, the East Africa Union, and the Tanzania Union. One hun-
dred thirteen thousand church members live in this territory.
The offering overflow will be divided between two educational
institutions which serve as training centers for the future workers
and leaders of this vast territory. The Bugema Missionary College
in Uganda, East Africa, is in desperate need of building and equip-
ment if it is to continue to serve the increasing demands of this
region.
Middle East College in Beirut, Lebanon, while offering a strong
educational program, must increase its facilities as it seeks to serve
the greatly increased constituency of the new division.
These projects are worthy of the sacrifice of each Sabbath School
member. As you give, remember that you will be helping to prepare
those who will finish the work of God in this vast territory.
Ray Jacobs, Secretary,
Afro-Mideast Division.
Lessons for the Third Quarter of 1971
Sabbath School members who have not received a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the third quarter of 1971 will be helped
by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The
title of the series is "The Church and Its World Mission." The
title of the first lesson is "A World in Revolt." The memory
verse is 2 Corinthians 5:19.
The outline is as follows: (1) Sin Enters Heaven. Isa. 14:12-
15. (2) God's Purpose in Creating This Earth. Isa. 45:18.
(3) Controversy Transferred to This Earth. Rev. 12:7, 8, 12,
13. (4) Sin Enters This Earth. Rom. 5:12. (5) Man in Re-
bellion. Eph. 6:12; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 8:10. (6) Reconciling
the World Unto God. Col. 1:20, 21.
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Memb.
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East African U.
17,494,570
396
74,207
167,001
Ethiopia U.M.
24,000,000
35
12,027
21,560
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134,550,000
42
3,404
4,457
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12,231,342
142
23,596
43,353
Division Totals
189,275,912'
615
113,234
236,371